Yemisi Izuora
The Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) and the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, have endorsed a historic research and development initiative.
The initiative culminated into the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between both parties.
Speaking at the event, the Director General and Chief Executive Officer (DG/CEO), of the SON, Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, said, “Today, we celebrate not just the formalization of a partnership but a strategic collaboration that will shape the future of standardization, quality assurance, and capacity building in Nigeria.
Okeke, said that SON, is dutifully committed to ensuring that the nation’s products, services, and industries meet the highest national and international standards.
This commitment, he said requires continuous research, innovation, and capacity building. It is in this spirit that we have partnered with the University of Ilorin, a distinguished institution known for academic excellence and research innovation, to strengthen our collective efforts in standardization, product testing, and quality control.
According to him, This MoU represents a shared vision one that seeks to foster knowledge exchange, drive research and development, and build a stronger foundation for compliance with standards across industries.
Through this partnership, both parties will engage in joint research projects, training programs, curriculum development, laboratory collaborations, faculty and student exchange, and professional development initiatives.
These activities will not only enhance the quality of Nigerian products and services but will also create opportunities for students and professionals to gain practical experience in the field of standardization.
Furthermore, the collaboration will enable us to leverage the expertise of the academic community in refining and improving testing methodologies, while providing students with hands-on experience in real-world quality assurance and regulatory practices. By bridging the gap between academia and industry, we are positioning Nigeria as a leader in quality assurance and product standardization on the global stage.
Okeke said, “I would like to sincerely appreciate the management of the University of Ilorin for their vision, dedication, and commitment to this partnership. I also extend my gratitude to the SON team and all stakeholders who have worked tirelessly to bring this MoU to fruition.
“As we formalize this agreement today, I am confident that the impact of this partnership will be far-reaching. It will not only benefit the two institutions involved but will also contribute significantly to national development by improving product safety, consumer protection, and industrial competitiveness.”