Experts converge at P&G symposium to advocate increased Science research

Experts in chemical sciences and technology from different institutions in Africa, the U.K. and United States have identified increased efforts in science and technology research, coupled with
ground breaking innovations as veritable tools to put Nigeria on a path to prosperity and sustenance.

This was a focal point of discussions at a symposium organised by Procter & Gamble (P&G) Nigeria, a global leader in Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) companies in partnership with the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), United Kingdom.

The symposium which had the theme “Chemical Sciences and Technology Enabling Growth in Africa” was being organised for the fourth consecutive year, bringing together leading academics, thought leaders, and industry members to discuss the critical issues of development in technology to promote growth through research and technology transfer in Africa.

Ibrahim Dan-Azumi, Director-General of the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP), and representatives of the Pan African Chemistry Network led discussions to engage local entrepreneurs, and provide a platform for cross-sharing and learning to help foster knowledge and skill building in research and publishing while also empowering African students through opportunities such as internships.

Dan-Azumi expressed his pleasure, saying; “this forum serves as an incredible opportunity for thought leaders and technology experts to exchange knowledge and talent.

While also advocating for more effort from the academia in groundbreaking research to stimulate a knowledge driven economy,  Dan-Azumi noted their present disposition was that of laxity. “If we have to rely on the technologies from Nigeria, we will continue to crawl… Academics publish just for promotion and that’s it, not necessarily to add value to Nigeria,” he said.

Companies in Nigeria were charged to contribute to advancement of knowledge in what was described as Corporate Social Investment.

In what seemed to be a reaction to this, George Nassar, Managing Director of Procter & Gamble Nigeria announced the company will sponsor 2 selected individuals for PHD studies in science and technology inclined disciplines.

“Innovation is one of P&G’s and by extension, Nigeria’s most vital methods for growth and development,” said George Nassar. He added

“P&G’s strides towards innovation have been recognized globally and in Africa, through industry accolades and awards, but it is the millions of African consumers that choose us every day that is our biggest source of pride.”

Stuart Govan, the ‎International Development Manager at the Royal Society of Chemistry in his remarks, said, “Every year with the symposium, the RSC aims to help empower Africa’s future leaders to increase engagement in the science and technology fields.”

He added, “Building strong strategic partnerships with companies such as P&G allows us to collaborate and work on actually empowering these students – and thus, our collective future.”

P&G’s capital investments in sub-Saharan Africa are set to increase over the next five years through the expansion of existing facilities and manufacturing plants in South Africa and Nigeria.

This investment is expected to result in the creation of thousands of employment and business opportunities within the continent.