As part of its move to drive sustainable growth in the Nigerian economy, Tropical General Investments (TGI) Group recently solidified its commitment to research and education by entering into a partnership with Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) marks a significant step towards fostering innovation across various sectors.
At the ceremony, the group’s Head of Strategic Partnerships, Habiba Suleiman, emphasised the importance of collaboration between industry and academia in driving sustainable growth. The collaboration extends beyond specific sectors, covering ABU’s 18 faculties and over 100 departments.
“Recognising the vital role of research in shaping policies, TGI Group is investing significantly in collaborative projects.”
Suleiman highlighted the company’s engagement with various stakeholders, including the public, private, and international development sectors, as well as over 200,000 smallholder farmers.
To kickstart the groundbreaking partnership, TGI Group announced a research grant specifically dedicated to extensive studies into the declining cotton value chain.
Suleiman said: “The grant will immediately go towards research on Nigeria’s cotton value chain. In the past, the value chain thrived in 13 states across the North East, North West, and North Central, with states such as Kano, Kaduna, and Katsina hosting vibrant textile industries. Today, that is history, along with all the jobs and livelihoods that sector supported.”
Managing Director of ABUCONS, Umar Faruq Yaya, welcomed the collaboration, emphasising that research funding advances the frontier of knowledge and helps standardise policy formulation.
ABU Vice Chancellor, Kabir Bala, echoed the sentiment, highlighting the crucial role of partnership funding from business institutions.