The Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Professor Ugochukwu Bond Anyaehie, has assured the Sahelian Institute for Bamboo Research and Entrepreneurship Development (SIBRED) of the university’s readiness to invest ₦10 million in viable bamboo enterprises to support its research and commercial activities.
Professor Anyaehie gave the assurance while responding to a presentation by the Director of SIBRED, Dr John Ogbodo who led members of management and some partners of the institute on a familiarization visit during which he briefed the VC on the institute’s research activities, innovations and challenges.
The Vice-Chancellor said the proposed investment would be made once the institute’s operations were properly integrated into the university’s system, with revenue generated from its commercial activities channelled into the institution.
He explained that profits from the investment could be paid into the university’s Endowment Fund, while part of the proceeds could subsequently be used to support further research and innovation.
Professor Anyaehie stressed the need for transparency and accountability in the running of institutes within the university noting that UNIZIK must benefit from commercial activities carried out under its name.
He directed that the institute’s financial account be regularised and brought under the control of the university while the governing board of SIBRED would be formally inaugurated to ensure proper oversight of its activities.
The Vice-Chancellor disclosed that he has approved that SIBRED should conserve all bamboo stands within the UNIZIK, Awka Campus.
He has also approved the allocation of additional office space to SIBRED at the new University Entrepreneurship Workshop located around the University Solar Farms, while SIBRED retains its currently occupied office spaces.
The VC equally directed the Bursar to deploy a Financial Officer to SIBRED.
Earlier, the Director of SIBRED, Dr Ogbodo, highlighted the institute’s research into the conversion of bamboo into commercially useful products, including organic soap made from bamboo fibre, charcoal, ash, and leaf extract, as well as aftershave.
The Director said bamboo-based enterprises had significant revenue-generating potential for the university, citing soap production as one area where relatively modest investment could generate substantial returns.
He also disclosed that SIBRED had pursued research funding for the use of bamboo-derived biochar in the phytoremediation of crude oil-polluted land in the Niger Delta.
The Director, however, appealed to the Vice-Chancellor to assist the institute’s for greater efficiency.
He further appealed for SIBRED to remain an independent university-based institute, arguing that its autonomy would strengthen its ability to attract international partnerships, grants and research opportunities.
The Director said the institute, established in September 2023, had developed partnerships with international organisations and had provided opportunities for some of its staff to undertake bamboo-related capacity building in China.
The Vice-Chancellor commended the institute’s research efforts but insisted that its activities must be properly integrated into the university’s financial and administrative structure to ensure that the institution derives commensurate benefits from the enterprise.
Some principal officers and management staff of the university witnessed the event.
