18/08/2026
THE INAUGURAL LECTURE REPORT
The Vice-Chancellor of Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara, Kogi State and the Immediate Past National Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Metallurgical, Mining and Materials Engineers (NIMMME), ENGR PROF ABDULRAHMAN ASIPITA SALAWU, FNSE FNIMMME has called for a deliberate shift from the export of raw mineral resources to local manufacturing as a strategy for unlocking Nigeria’s industrial and economic potential.
He made the call on August 13th, 2026, while delivering the 133rd Inaugural Lecture of the Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUT MINNA), held at the University Auditorium. The lecture, titled “Nature to Nature:
He is a Professor in the Department of Materials and Metallurgical Engineering, School of Infrastructure, Process Engineering and Technology (SIPET), FUTMINNA, and currently serves as the 2nd substantive Vice Chancellor of CUSTECH, Osara, Kogi State.
He expressed concern over Nigeria’s longstanding dependence on the export of raw materials and the importation of finished products, noting that the practice undermines local industries, limits employment opportunities and weakens the country’s capacity for sustainable economic development.
Drawing from his research he highlighted his work in mineral beneficiation, corrosion control, green corrosion inhibitors, composites, nanocomposites, construction materials and biomaterials.
Among the innovations showcased during the lecture were the beneficiation of Nigerian iron, manganese and gold ores; the use of environmentally friendly borax in gold extraction; the production of asbestos-free brake pads from agricultural waste; the development of anti-corrosion coatings for pipelines, storage tanks and other critical infrastructure.
He also highlighted research into locally sourced biomaterials and biocomposites with potential applications in biomedical uses
He called for a stronger ß partnership among universities, researchers, government and industry, stressing that such collaboration would accelerate technology transfer, promote innovation and strengthen Nigeria’s industrial base.
Prof. Salawu concluded by urging the country to move decisively from a raw-material-exporting economy to one driven by value addition, local production and technology-based industrialisation.
Local manufacturing would create jobs, reduce dependence on imported products and promote economic
The Vice-Chancellor of FUTMINNA, Prof. Faruk Adamu Kuta, presented a certificate and plaque to Prof. Salawu in recognition of his contribution to knowledge and scholarship.
The lecture was well attended by distinguished academics, policymakers, industrialists,Kogi State Government officials, Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, His Royal Majesty, Alh. Muhammed Ahmed Tijani Anaje, and other stakeholders who came to celebrate the scholarly achievement of the CUSTECH Vice-Chancellor to the development of materials and metallurgical engineering in Nigeria.
