FIIRO has recorded another milestone in achieving its vision of becoming the foremost Centre of excellence in Science and Technology - based Research and Development for the Industrialization and Socio-economic advancement of the nation. On Thursday, 9th August, 2018, the Institute was presented ISO 17025:2005 certificate for accreditation of its central laboratory. The certificate was received by the Honorable Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu. Nigerian National Accreditation Service (NiNAS) in presenting the certificate to the Hon. Minister said FIIRO is the first public sector that would receive such accreditation in Nigeria.
The Hon. Minister in his speech said attaining ISO 17025:2005 certification is indeed a major achievement in national quest for quality services and excellent delivery of services and a step in the right direction for FIIRO to becoming a leading research Institute in Nigeria and globally. The Hon. Minister also informed the general public that analysis carried out in the accredited FIIRO laboratory would require no further analysis anywhere in the world for acceptance. He further revealed that the ISO certification would enhance export competitiveness of Nigerian products by small, medium and large enterprises who are into export businesses in Nigeria. The Hon. Minister while directing FIIRO to immediately commence activities for accrediting all its laboratories and workshops promised to give full support towards achieving the directive.
Prof. Ajayi Boroffice, the Chairman- Senate Committee on Science and Technology who was a Special Guest of Honor at the event commended the DG/CEO of FIIRO for her visionary leadership and achievements so far which have brought FIIRO to limelight and the attainment of national relevance.
Barrister Segun Awolowo, the Executive Director- Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) who was also a Special Guest at the occasion joined in commending the leadership of FIIRO and reinstated the commitment of NEPC to collaboration with FIIRO in area of value addition to agro-value chains as well as packaging to enhance export potential.
Dr. Ibrahim Dan’Azumi Gwarzo- the Chairman, Governing Board of the Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi in his remark noted that presentation of ISO: 17025:2015 to FIIRO is attestation of the good hard work of the DG/CEO, Prof. (Mrs.) G.N Elemo and the entire members of staff of the Institute. He said he is aware that ISO certification does not come easy; it requires a lot of resources, commitments and expertise but the benefits which include international recognition for results from ISO certified laboratory justify the means. He further said that the Governing Board would be giving the management of the Institute all the support that is needed to position the Institute as a national and international Institute that could stand at par with similar Institutes with comparable mandates in any part of the world.
The DG/CEO FIIRO, Prof. (Mrs.) Gloria Elemo in her address at the occasion said the issue of ISO certification was borne out of the Institute’s desire to provide world class quality service to meet the need of industries and research communities both in Nigeria and abroad. She said under the accreditation, ten parameters were accredited covering some critical areas in food and non food especially Charcoal where FIIRO has developed some expertise over the years while another eight parameters would be considered for accreditation under the extension of scope by October 2018. The DG/CEO acknowledged the support of the Hon. Minister, the Permanent Secretary and the Directors in the Ministry of Science and Technology.