By Maryann Awuya
Directors of the Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi (FIIRO) have defended the institute’s Director-General, Dr. Jummai Adamu Tutuwa, rejecting allegations of institutional decline, poor research output and administrative failures.
The directors, in a joint statement issued on Wednesday, described the allegations as misleading, insisting that the institute had recorded improvements in research, infrastructure, staff welfare and regional operations under Tutuwa’s leadership.
The statement was signed by Dr. Ahmed Aroke, Director of Chemical, Fibre and Environmental Technology; Mr. Timothy Ajayi, of Production, Analytical and Laboratory Management; Engr. Dr. Livinus Onu, Director of Product Design and Development; Ms. K. O. Unuigbe, Director of Extension and Linkages; and Mr. Charles Ibe, Director of Human Resource Management.
The statement was issued in response to a petition dated October 24, 2026, which the directors said was published by Sahara Reporters and submitted by a group identifying itself as “Concerned Stakeholders at FIIRO.”
The petition reportedly called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to establish an investigative panel to examine the institute’s infrastructure, research output, financial management, procurement and governance from May 10, 2022, to date.
It also questioned electricity and water supply, digital infrastructure, research activities and the demonstration of a locally fabricated gas stove intended for distribution by the First Lady during FIIRO’s 70th anniversary celebration.
However, the directors said the allegations did not reflect developments at the institute, citing investments in alternative power, operational laboratories, research projects and staff welfare.
On electricity, they said Tutuwa inherited an outstanding debt of N25 million when she assumed office in May 2022, which was subsequently paid to improve the institute’s relationship with Eko Electricity Distribution Company.
They added that solar power systems had been installed at selected facilities, including the Koleosho Laboratory Complex, the Information and Communication Technology Unit, the library and the administrative block.
The directors also said the institute had a functional borehole and a dedicated 60KVA generator to support water distribution during power interruptions.
They disputed claims that FIIRO’s laboratories and pilot plants were no longer functional, listing facilities for cassava processing, pulp and paper, ceramics, packaging, product design, foundry, mushroom cultivation and electroplating among those they said were in operation.
On research, the directors cited projects involving biodegradable packaging made from cassava peels, food-processing machinery, waste-to-wealth initiatives, environmental pollution mitigation, fortified foods and nutrition products.
They also listed research into drying processes, bitter yam meal preparation, industrial enzymes for bread-making and mushroom cultivation.
The statement further highlighted projects involving the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Sight and Life Foundation, including research into micronutrient stability in Nigerian dishes and the development of nutrition bread and multigrain pap.
On regional research, the directors said Tutuwa’s administration had restructured FIIRO’s zonal centres to give them greater autonomy to conduct research based on locally available raw materials and regional economic needs.
They listed centres in Akure, Asaba, Enugu, Yola and Langtang, saying facilities had been built or upgraded, equipped and provided with solar power.
The directors also cited improvements in staff welfare, including the settlement of some outstanding promotion arrears, repatriation fees and death benefits.
They said the 2018 and 2019 promotion arrears had been paid, alongside arrears for 2021, 2022 and 2023.
Another achievement highlighted in the statement was the passage and signing of the FIIRO Establishment Act in May 2023, which the directors said followed efforts by Tutuwa’s administration to secure dedicated legislation for the institute.
The directors urged President Tinubu and the public to exercise caution over the petition until its allegations were substantiated, while acknowledging the importance of accountability and constructive criticism.
They called on stakeholders and media organisations to ensure that reports about FIIRO were based on evidence, fairness and responsible journalism.
The directors have rejected the allegations against the institute’s leadership, insisting that ongoing research, infrastructure upgrades and staff welfare initiatives show progress under Tutuwa.
The claims in their statement could not be independently verified as of the time of filing this report.
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