Tropics Derma Research & Training Institute, TDRTI has engaged the Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, FMSTI in Nigeria to strengthen research and innovation on finding adequate solutions to issues common with tropical skin types notably hyperpigmentation and skin dryness among others.
The engagement is enshrined in a partnership agreement reached at by both parties that lays down the respective roles to be played by each party.
As stipulated by both parties, emphasis will be laid on community empowerment through professional training in tropical skincare. This will in turn address the widespread issue of skin bleaching and its associated health risks.
Professionally it will lead to an increase in the number of skilled beauticians many of whom have remained amateurs due to a lack of specialized training in the subject matter. Renewed skills and training will lead to a proliferation of locally manufactured cosmetic products hence curbing the importation problem. Following statistics, Nigeria imports millions of dollars’ worth of cosmetics annually however, only around 5% of cosmetic products are currently manufactured in Nigeria by local beauticians.
On the social front, it will provide and create jobs to thousands of young people especially women and girls.
This partnership once more cements TDRTI’s commitment to transform the beauty health industry on the continent by ensuring that those who are directly concerned with the problems are the ones providing solutions to these problems.