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From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and the National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACIMA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at deepening research, innovation, and the production of industry-ready graduates.
The Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arc. Sonny Echono, during the MoU signing ceremony in Abuja on Wednesday, described the partnership as a practical expression of President Bola Tinubu’s vision of building a knowledge-driven economy powered by skilled and innovative Nigerian youths.
He said: “We welcome you to your Fund, as well as all the excellent initiatives that have brought us together. Today’s signing is the culmination of long-standing efforts between TETFUND and NACIMA.
“This collaboration focuses on research, innovation, and producing graduates fit for purpose, ready to contribute effectively to industry.
“It is central to the triple helix model we have championed and supports the President’s goal of harnessing Nigeria’s human and material resources for national development.”
The MoU commits both parties to promoting research that addresses industrial and societal needs, facilitating commercialisation of research outcomes, strengthening capacity building and entrepreneurship, encouraging academia-industry joint ventures, supporting policy advocacy and knowledge sharing, and driving job creation, startup growth and inclusive innovation.
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Echono stressed that equipping Nigerian youths with critical thinking, cultural awareness and problem-solving skills would not only accelerate domestic economic growth but also help close global skills gaps.
The National President of NACIMA, Mr Jani Ibrahim, underscored the importance of structured industry-education linkages, saying the partnership would provide graduates with practical exposure to real-world skills while enabling research institutions to commercialise innovations and boost national productivity.
“For the business community, this partnership will guide research priorities towards industry needs, build a more competent workforce, and ultimately enhance productivity, competitiveness, and investment,” he said.
He noted that the collaboration fully aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which has strengthened TETFund through improved funding efficiency, upgraded research infrastructure and emphasis on skills-driven and technology-based education.
Ibrahim described the MoU as the beginning of a strategic journey to forge a stronger education-industry nexus, enhance national competitiveness and unlock opportunities for young Nigerians and businesses alike.
