By Francesca Hangeior

The Federal Government has launched an initiative to boost Nigeria’s engineering and construction sectors by commissioning a state-of-the-art Asphalt Testing and Material Characterization Laboratory at the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute.

The ceremony also included the handover of advanced construction testing equipment to six federal universities across Nigeria.

During the commissioning event held in Abuja on Wednesday the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, emphasised the importance of this investment in enhancing educational infrastructure and research capabilities.

“This initiative is more than just an investment in physical infrastructure—it is a tangible demonstration of our commitment to education, research, and national development,” Nnaji stated.

The minister highlighted that the project aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to empower institutions and foster innovation.

“This commissioning aligns with the administration’s 8-point agenda, particularly by promoting sustainable infrastructure, enabling job creation, and deepening economic growth through knowledge-driven solutions,” he noted.

The new facilities are designed to support research that can lead to more durable and cost-effective infrastructure, crucial for Nigeria’s ongoing development challenges.

“Through this project, we are equipping our educational institutions to nurture a new generation of engineers, researchers, and innovators who will provide homegrown solutions to Nigeria’s infrastructural challenges,” Nnaji explained.

The minister also underscored the initiative’s role in youth empowerment and economic growth.

“By empowering students and researchers, we are creating a future workforce capable of driving innovation and industrial growth,” he stated, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to sustainable development.

In a call to action for the beneficiary universities, Nnaji urged them to maximize the potential of the new resources.

“Utilize this equipment to its fullest potential, not just for academic purposes but as a catalyst for real-world solutions that benefit both the academic community and our nation,” he said.

The event was marked by an expression of gratitude towards the NBRRI for its efforts in advancing research capabilities within the country.

“Today’s achievement would not have been possible without the relentless efforts of the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute,” Nnaji remarked.

He said the launch of the Asphalt Testing and Material Characterization Laboratory represents a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s educational and technological landscape, with hopes that it will inspire a new era of collaboration and discovery among researchers and institutions.

The minister called for collective action towards a technologically advanced Nigeria.

“Policymakers, researchers, engineers, and students alike must collaborate to build the Nigeria we envision—a nation where science, technology, and engineeringt are at the forefront of global innovation.