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Drives research commercialisation initiative
By Fred Ezeh, Abuja
The federal government, on Wednesday, July 2, inaugurated a ministerial committee to drive the commercialisation of research outputs from Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
The Research and Innovation Commercialisation Committee (RICC), chaired by Dr Tayo Aduloju of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), has other members, including Prof. Ibrahim Katampe, Dr Umar Bindir, Prof. Sydney Ibeanusi, Dr Detoun Ogwu, and representatives from the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, the Bank of Industry, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), and Nigerian universities, among others.
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, at the inauguration of the committee in Abuja, announced a N50 million Student Grant Venture Capital Initiative to support the scaling of student-led enterprises in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
He said the ministry, through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), has already rolled out several impactful projects to boost research, including the provision of central multipurpose laboratories, alternative energy for campuses, and medical simulation centres.
“This development is aligned with the government’s agenda of transitioning Nigeria from a resource-based economy to a knowledge-driven one.
“Nations that have achieved sustainable development and global competitiveness have done so by investing in knowledge creation and, more importantly, in the effective commercialisation of research outputs,” he said.
He noted that, despite a vibrant academic community and decades of groundbreaking research, the country still struggles to scale innovations into real-world solutions.
“The weak link between academia and industry has limited our ability to reap the enormous benefits of research. This committee will serve as a strategic bridge between both worlds.
“The commercialisation of research outputs will not only generate revenue for institutions and researchers but will also enhance Nigeria’s self-reliance, improve the innovation index, and attract international investments,” Dr Alausa added.
The Committee Chairman, Dr Aduloju, in his remarks, described the RICC as a matter of national urgency, noting that Nigeria’s research investment as a percentage of GDP is among the lowest when compared to peer nations.
“If Mr President’s ‘Nigeria First’ policy is to truly drive transformation, then innovation capital must lead the charge,” he said.
Dr Aduloju also stressed the importance of building inter-ministerial collaboration and involving sub-national governments in the innovation process, calling for the minister’s support in convening a national innovation forum that would bring in all relevant ministries and state actors.
“The private sector has been disconnected for too long. We are committed to building institutional linkages that last beyond this committee’s lifespan,” he affirmed.