Took off in 1964 as Hide and Skin Demonstration and Training Project (UNDP,FAO).
In 1973, name changed to a Leather Research Institute of Nigeria (LERIN).
In 1978, it became one of the parastatal under Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria(ARCN) National Science Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) Federal Ministry of Science and Technology (FMST).
In 1991, name changed with added mandate to Federal College of Leather Technology (FCLT).
In 1992, name changed after autonomy to Federal College of Chemical and Leather Technology (CHELTECH).
June 26th 2009, Leather Research & Development programme and all the Extension centres were transferred from NARICT to the Institute.
1st April 2011, the Institute was repositioned and renamed to Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology (NILEST).
Mandate
Provide courses of instructions, Training and Research in the field of Leather and Leather Product Technology and conduct research and Development on Leather Technologies and Goods Production.
Vision
To be a centre of excellence in the production of scientists, scientific models and products
To become a research Institute of International standard in the provision of innovative research and development in the processing and conversion of hides and skins into Leather Products.
To be a renowned centre of excellence in the field of tannery effluent monitoring and control. leather and leather products technologies.
To provide and sustain the development of Leather Industrial Clusters employment, export national productivity and technology transfer.
Mission
To produce technologists and technicians with sound training for production of leather, leather products and other scientific products and their technologies and to produce service support to the industrial sector.
To produce high and middle manpower for leather, leather products, scientific analysis and quality control in industries.
To provide global competitive and environmentally friendly technologies for leather and leather products and allied industries.
To acquire and maintain world-class technical capacity and reputation to offer science based consultancy services in leather and leather products, production, marketing and quality control in relevant areas
