TWO RESEARCHERS GET RMRDC/ NMC
ENDOWMENT AWARD FOR MATHEMATICAL MODELING OF RAW MATERIALS PROCESS
EQUIPMENT
Two researchers have emerged
recipients of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council
(RMRDC) / National Mathematical Center (NMC) Endowment Award for the
mathematical modeling of raw materials process equipment in Nigeria.
They are Prof. J. C. Igeka, from the University of Ibadan, Oyo state
for the Mathematical Modeling of Oil Expression from Palm Kernel
using Screw Press and Dr. S. E. Ogbeide, from the University of
Benin, Edo State for the Mathematical Modeling of Essential Oil
Distillation Units of Lemon Grass and Ginger Roots. The Awardees,
will also receive up to N500, 000. 00 each payable in three
installments of N300, 000.00, N100, 000.00 and another N100, 000.00
as last installment, respectively.
The programme, a collaborative
effort between the Council and NMC aims to develop and solve
appropriate mathematical models of raw materials process equipment.
The objective is to reduce the risk of project failures and cost
incurred in project execution.
It is to be recalled that RMRDC
has been spearheading efforts aimed at promoting local engineering
capability by engaging Nigerian Engineering Professionals to design
and fabricate various process equipments and plants. Limited results
were however recorded in this regards due to the failure of most
Engineers to come up with the application of adequate mathematical
modeling concepts in the design and development of process equipment
and plants.
A meeting of the Joint Committee
on the award was held in December, last year at RMRDC Headquarters,
during which twenty applications received were scrutinized by a
technical Committee of NMC. The Technical Committee grouped the
proposals as follows:
Category A: Applications
that do not satisfy the advertisement criteria
Category B: Applications
that met all the criteria as advertised
Category C: Applications
with either CV or proposals not submitted.
After a thorough screening
exercise of the proposals that fell under category “B”, two
applicants were finally selected for the Award by the Committee.
The Endowment/ Research Grant was
formerly presented to the recipients by the Director General and
Chief Executive Officer of RMRDC, Engr. (Prof.) Peter Onwualu, who
was represented by the Director of Technology Development Department
(RMRDC), Dr. Daniel Daniel Ayo on December 14, 2006, at the Abuja
Sheraton Hotels and Towers.
Chucks Ngaha
