The Federal University Gusau (FUGUS) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) to explore, harness, and develop raw materials from the agricultural and solid mineral sectors in Zamfara State.

This was disclosed by the Vice-Chancellor of FUGUS, Professor Tukur Adamu, as he received a delegation from the Zamfara State Coordinating Office of the RMRDC during a courtesy visit to the University Management.

Professor Adamu said in line with its core mandate, the University is focused on promoting research that directly addresses local challenges.

“When I assumed office on 10th February this year, I made it clear that, while we will encourage research, our priority will be research aimed at solving the problems of our people. Any university that fails to address local challenges has not fulfilled its purpose,” he said.

The Vice-Chancellor, who noted that Zamfara State is blessed with a high concentration of solid mineral resources, emphasised that the responsibility of the University is to collaborate with relevant Agencies such as the RMRDC to explore, harness, and develop these resources.

“Our goal is to move beyond mere exploration to full development, ensuring that what is produced is value-added rather than exported in its raw form,” he added.

Speaking on the existing partnership between FUGUS and the RMRDC—which focuses on achieving at least 30 per cent value addition to raw materials before export, Professor Adamu, noted that the initiative aligns perfectly with the University’s mandate. He assured that his administration would provide the necessary support to ensure its successful implementation.

The VC further disclosed plans by the University to establish a Central Laboratory equipped with modern facilities, as well as a functional Raw Materials Testing Centre, with support from the RMRDC.

In his remarks, the Zamfara State Coordinator of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council, Muhammad Gambo-Yaro, stated that the visit was a follow-up to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in April last year between the Council and FUGUS, which outlines modalities for achieving 30 per cent value addition to raw materials from the agricultural and solid mineral sectors.

He stressed the importance of establishing a Raw Materials Testing, Analysis, and Certification Centre in the University to facilitate the effective implementation of the agreement.

Also speaking, the FUGUS Desk Officer for the implementation of the MoU, Dr Drahaya Alhassan, highlighted several engagements undertaken at the University, state, and national levels in advancing the partnership.

He revealed that five key agro-based raw materials and one solid mineral have been identified, relevant academic departments engaged, and both available and required equipment mapped out to ensure a smooth take-off of the collaboration.