HILLCREST INDUSTRIES Collaborate With FEDPOFFA on Rice Husk Research




Hillcrest Agro-Allied Industries Ltd has called for a collaboration with the Management of The Federal Polytechnic Offa, on the alternative use of rice husk ash as a substitute for cement.

This was contained in a meeting between the Management and the representatives of the company which took place in the Main Campus of the institution.

In his welcome address, the Rector, Dr. Lateef Olatunji appreciated the company delegation’s zeal to be affiliated with the Polytechnic in terms of research development and innovation, stressing that this laudable venture is of utmost importance in industrial as well as educational development.

Dr. Olatunji reiterated that, as the fastest growing Polytechnic in Nigeria, the Polytechnic is one of the few tertiary institutions nationwide at the forefront of research and technological development in the country. He further mentioned the achievements of some lecturers of the institutions who have been awarded patent rights.

Dr. Olatunji also asserted that the type of education system that Nigeria is desirous of now should be aimed at promoting Science and Technology. He entreated Government to make funds available for researches into such alternate areas.

The General Manager of Hillcrest Industries, Mr. Olasoji Olayinka, stated that the partnership of Hillcrest and FEDPOFFA will not only enable students of the School of Engineering Technology of the Polytechnic to embark on research on the alternative use of rice husk ash as final year project, but also to reduce or eliminate the challenges of handling and disposal of burnt ashes, thereby reducing environmental pollution.

He further disclosed that students of the Polytechnic are welcome to participate in the Students’ Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) and in Industrial Attachment programme in Hillcrest Agro-Allied Industries.

Present at the collaboration meeting are Principal Officers of the Polytechnic, Dean School of Engineering Technology and HOD Civil Engineering, with some staff of the Department, who had in the past carried out similar research in that area.