Nigerian Wins African Union Science Competition

A Nigerian scientist, Mr Joel Nwakire,has won the first prize in a science competition organised by a

network of international bodies under the auspices of the African

Union (AU).
The award was announced in Abuja in a Federal Ministry of Science and Technology statement signed by Mr Abdulganiyu Aminu, Head, Press and Public Communications.

The statement said Nwakire, an Agricultural Engineering lecturer, won the Young Professionals in Science Prize in the competition with his research in the fabrication of bio-diesel continuous

production plant.
It quoted the ministry's Acting Permanent Secretary Wahab Jimoh,who received Nwakire in his office, as saying ``the ministry will ensure that your research work is taken to the next level of commercialization.

"Nwakire has not only brought honour to the ministry but also to Nigeria as a whole and I appeal to you not to rest on your oars but to continue to break new grounds in science and technology

innovation."
Jimoh gave assurance that the ministry would continue to fund research proposals relevant to the needs and developmental aspirations of the country.

He applauded the management of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) for exhibiting sound judgment in sponsoring a viable research work and recognising the talent

and potential in Nwakire.
The statement also quoted Prof. Peter Onwualu, the RMRDC Director-General, as saying ``the council was encouraged to fund the fabrication of the bio-diesel continuous production plant made

by Nwakire because it is a novel invention and germane to the development needs of Nigerians at the grassroots.''

Onwualu said the council was already working to upgrade and make the plant automated for possible commercialization in the near future.

The award was presented to Nwakire at the AU Summit of African Ministers of Agriculture in Addis Ababa.

Agency Reports NAN