The Nigerian Academy of Engineering (NAE) and Arco Group have inaugurated a committee to identify viable engineering innovations by Nigerians and assist in translating them into scalable commercial activities.
Known as NAE-Arco Group Academia and Industry Linkage, the body is charged with the responsibility of creating paramatres for assessing the commercial viability of identified engineering innovations and prepare in advance, possible avenues of financial and other support that may be required for their commercialisation, as well as their sustainability.
The committee is to ensure that accepted innovations conform, not only with NAE standards, but are in compliance with acceptable international standards. It will also explore avenues for scholarship and research funding in specific areas of engineering that will be useful to industries.
The NAE-Arco Group Academia and Industry Linkage, will also ensure publication of bankable innovations in peer reviewed engineering journals and business newspapers and magazines as well as on the Internet through relevant websites. The committee will showcase the innovations at appropriate exhibitions in and outside Nigeria.
The Group Managing Director of Arco Group, Alfred Okoigun said he was happy that the idea of the Academia-Industry Linkage that was mooted less than two months ago, has become a reality.
ARCO Group said the committee is expected to seek and admit under strict criteria, other corporate bodies and institutions that share the objectives and goals of the Linkage. He said the the joint committee has been asked to offer suggestions and work towards the revival of the Award of Excellence in Science and Engineering that was first organised in 2000 by Arco Petrochemical Engineering Company Limited, the predecessor of Arco Group Plc.
It named the Chairman of the committee as Babatunde Soyode, a veteran of key engineering projects in oil and gas in Nigeria.
The Nation