Fedpoffa To Revive Potato Research for Confectioneries, Visits RMRDC, NBTE, NOTAP

Management of the Federal Polytechnic Offa led by Engr. Dr. Kadiri Kamoru Oluwatoyin FNSE has paid a visit to the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) seeking intervention and support to revive potato research and optimize potato-based confectionery production.

The Rector led the Polytechnic delegates to the  Raw Material Research and Development Council, National Board for Technical Education, and National Office For Technology Acquisition and Promotion in Abuja for the purpose of supporting the Polytechnic.

This attempt aims to promote the cultivation and utilization of potato varieties to create delectable confectioneries, tapping into its potential as a valuable raw material to contribute to the growth and development of the Nigerian confectionery industry and to seek notable interventions from the agencies for the growth and development of the Polytechnic.

During the interactive meeting with RMDC officials, the management presented a detailed plan outlining the vision to innovate and diversify potato-based confectionery products while emphasizing the need for specialized research, improved cultivation methods, and enhanced processing techniques to establish a sustainable and profitable potato-based confectionery sector.

Recognizing the potential economic benefits of sweet potatoes, RMDC expressed their enthusiasm and pledged their support to the polytechnic’s initiative. They acknowledged the significance of this collaboration in boosting the agricultural sector and promoting value addition in the confectionery industry.

In his remark, the Rector expressed his gratitude to RMDC for their positive response to the Polytechnic’s proposal. He highlighted the need to strengthen research infrastructure and engage experts within and outside the institution to conduct in-depth studies on potato characteristics, processing methods, and formulation of potato-based confectioneries. Dr. Kadiru further emphasized the importance of exploring marketing strategies to ensure the successful commercialization of these products.

The Rector added that the mission of the Polytechnic on potato research partnership is a significant step towards reviving potato for confectioneries and is expected to provide a platform for knowledge exchange, capacity building, and the development of cutting-edge technologies for the production of potato-based confectioneries.

In the Management’s team were; Registrar, Mr. G. O. Soko; Bursar, Mr. Amidu Azeez; Director IJMB, Engr. G. F. Ogundele; Director DAPFACORP, Engr. Dr. Kehinde Olufemi; Deputy Registrar, Non-Teaching Human Resources, Mr. Mukaila Soleye; Ag. Head, Public Relations, Mrs. Esther Folake Oyinloye; Head, Capacity Building & Upskilling Unit, & Nodal Officer, Cisco Networking Academy Prog., Dr. Mrs. Fatimoh Abidemi Taofeeq-Ibrahim; and Mr. Olanipekun Babatimilehin.

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