Our target is to commercialise research, innovations

The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has reaffirmed its commitment to bridging the gap between research and industry by reconstituting the committee for the third TETFund National Research Fair and Exhibition.

Speaking at the inauguration of the committee, the director of Research and Development, TETFund, Dr. Suleiman Zangina, said TETFund had over the years funded numerous research projects across different fields, many of which had produced promising innovations with strong commercial potential.

According to him, the Fund has also supported several research and development (R&D) programmes initiated by the executive secretary, Sonny Echono, leading to the development of prototypes and inventions that are ready to be advanced towards commercialisation.

He explained that the decision to organise the National Research Fair and Exhibition was driven by the need to ensure that research findings and technological innovations are transformed into products and services capable of addressing Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges.

He said: “The Executive Secretary initiated the TETFund National Research Fair and Exhibition in 2024 to provide a platform for showcasing research outputs, prototypes and inventions developed through TETFund-sponsored research as well as other innovative works.

He noted that the maiden edition, held in November 2024, created opportunities for researchers to interact directly with industry players, investors and other stakeholders, with the aim of facilitating the commercialisation of research outcomes.

Describing the inaugural fair as a major success, he attributed the achievement to the unwavering support and leadership of the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono.

He thus commended Echono for his commitment to excellence and his determination to ensure that research and development contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s development agenda.

“We are convinced that this committee will continue to receive the support of the Executive Secretary as it prepares for another successful edition of the National Research Fair and Exhibition,” he said.

He, thereafter, presented the chairman and members of the reconstituted committee for formal inauguration, expressing confidence that they would immediately commence preparations for the forthcoming exhibition.