The Institute (EMDI) had the esteemed privilege of hosting a prestigious delegation of engineers and researchers from LAFBART Innovations & Consulting Ltd and the National Automotive Design & Development Council (NADDC). The delegation arrived at the Institute at precisely 1:27 PM, where they were accorded a warm and cordial welcome by the Acting Managing Director/Chief Executive, Mrs. Fausat Olumide Yusuf, MNIM, MBA, accompanied by her high-performing management team.
Mrs. Fausat Olumide Yusuf, the Acting Managing Director/Chief Executive of EMDI, expressed profound and unreserved appreciation for the delegation’s decision to initiate a collaborative relationship. She assured the visitors of EMDI’s commitment to delivering on the expected outcomes and emphasized the Institute’s readiness to contribute to the development of innovative automotive solutions. Mrs. Yusuf highlighted EMDI’s expertise in materials development and its commitment to driving innovation in the automotive industry.
Engr. Olafunmilayo Olufemi Olayinka, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAFBART, provided a succinct introduction of the delegation, emphasizing the purpose of their visit: to explore potential collaborative efforts in the production of automotive spares and components. He highlighted the importance of collaboration in driving growth and innovation in the automotive industry.
Dr. Fidelis M. Achiv, Director of Research, Design & Development (RD&D) at NADDC, introduced himself and his team members. He corroborated the statements made by the MD/CEO of LAFBART regarding the visit’s objectives and shared his longstanding familiarity with EMDI, dating back to the tenure of the late Prof. Olusegun Adewoye. Dr. Achiv expressed his confidence in EMDI’s capability to meet the expected standards and highlighted the importance of this collaboration in advancing Nigeria’s automotive industry.
Areas of Collaboration:
- Automotive Spares Production: EMDI and LAFBART/NADDC will collaborate on the design, development, and production of automotive spares, leveraging EMDI’s expertise in materials development and LAFBART/NADDC’s expertise in automotive design and development.
- Component Development: The collaboration will also focus on the development of components for the automotive industry, utilizing EMDI’s research and development capabilities and LAFBART/NADDC’s industry knowledge.
- Research and Development: EMDI and LAFBART/NADDC will engage in joint research and development activities to advance the production of automotive spares and components, sharing knowledge and expertise to drive innovation.
The visiting team was led on a comprehensive facility tour by the Ag-MD/CE, EMDI, to the following departments/unit’s workshops & Laboratories:
- Foundry: Engr. J.O Alasoluyi (HOD, MS Dept) showcased the unit’s capabilities in metal casting and material processing.
- Mechanical Testing Laboratory and Physical Metallurgy Laboratory: Dr. Kelechi Ebisike (HOD, R&D) demonstrated the laboratory’s equipment and testing capabilities.
- Design, Modelling and Simulation Unit: Engr. Tunji Ogunkoya presented the unit’s design and simulation software and capabilities.
- Manufacturing Workshop: Engr. A. S. Idowu showcased the workshop’s manufacturing capabilities and equipment.
The visit concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Engr. Olafunmilayo Olufemi Olayinka, and a group photograph at 2:56 pm. The collaboration visit marked the beginning of a strategic partnership between EMDI, LAFBART Innovations & Consulting Ltd, and NADDC, aimed at driving innovation and growth in the automotive industry.