As part of its commitment to bridging the gap between academia and industry, PZ Cussons Nigeria PLC, under the NOTAP-Industry Research Laboratory Upgrade Project, has donated state-of-the-art research equipment to the Department of Chemistry, University of Jos. The donation, aimed at enhancing research capabilities, was formally commissioned at the Bauchi Road campus of the university.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Dimitris Kostianis, Chief Executive Officer of PZ Cussons Nigeria PLC, emphasized the company’s dedication to supporting world-class research in Nigeria. He highlighted the collaboration with the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) as part of a broader initiative to equip universities with cutting-edge laboratory facilities. “Nigeria is blessed with intellectual assets, but what is urgently needed are modern research facilities to translate knowledge into practical solutions,” he said. He further revealed that PZ Cussons has supported eight universities across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones and plans to extend similar interventions to two more institutions, bringing the total to ten universities. The company has also sponsored five Ph.D. fellowships, currently at various stages of completion.
Dr. (Barr.) Obiageli Amadiobi, Director General of NOTAP, praised PZ Cussons for being the only company to fully engage in the Research Laboratory Upgrade Project. She urged other corporate organizations to join the initiative in improving research infrastructure within Nigerian institutions. Similarly, Professor Tanko Isyaku, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos, expressed his gratitude, noting that public institutions require more private-sector support to enhance learning and innovation.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by a full complement of the academic community, students, and key stakeholders from NOTAP and PZ Cussons. The initiative, described as part of PZ Cussons’ Corporate Social Investment, aligns with its mission to contribute positively to Nigeria’s educational and research ecosystem.