Malaysian researchers have developed commercial products from bananas, which Nigeria is keen to develop for its banana industry.
SHESTCO was represented by its Director-General, Dr Ayodele Joseph Coker and USM was represented by its Vice Chancellor, Tan Sri Datuk Dzulkifli Abdul Razak.
The USM research team tissue cultured high quality banana trees, produced innovative banana flour and produced banana paper from the banana tree fiber. The paper absorbs oil spills and is fire retardant. The research project, named Going Bananas was initially conceived to help local villagers recycle their banana waste and add value to their banana crops.
According to Prof. Dzulkifli “Other than Nigeria, several other countries in Africa are also interested in this research. With this MoU, we hope to help advance Malaysia’s biotechnology industry”
“SHESTCO sees the potential in developing this industry in Nigeria and we will lend our expertise and help each other bring to achieve mutually beneficial goals” adds Prof. Dzulkifli
The collaboration will begin with USM receiving three research students from Nigeria who will gain the expertise needed to support the industry in Nigeria. Upon graduation, they will pass on their knowledge to other students.
In addition to banana research, the Nigerian Ministry of Science and Technology are also collaborating with USM on Malaria research.
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