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From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has announced plans to establish 18 new innovation hubs across tertiary institutions to strengthen Nigeria’s research and innovation.
Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, disclosed this at the closing ceremony of the 30th Cohort of the Research for Impact (R4i) initiative, held at Innov8 Technology Hub in Abuja at the weekend.
He said the initiative was part of the Fund’s commitment to fostering a culture of problem-solving research, entrepreneurship, and technological advancement, emphasising the importance of education and research in nation-building and sustainable development.
He explained that the R4i programme, in collaboration with Innov8 Technology Hub, aims to enhance the capacity of researchers and academics to conduct innovative, solution-driven research that addresses societal challenges.
The TETFund boss stated that the Fund is committed to supporting the institutionalisation of Research & Development (R&D) in Nigerian universities and promoting research-industry linkages.
According to him, TETFund is establishing the innovation hubs and entrepreneurship centres across institutions in phases. This phased approach, he said, will allow participants to continue applying and mentoring others in their innovative work.
The Executive Secretary also emphasised the vital role of research in improving the national quality of life and thanked Innov8 for its partnership in transforming the innovation ecosystem.
Participants were encouraged to apply their training to create impactful innovations in their institutions and communities.
“I am pleased to admit that the participants of previous cohorts of this initiative impressed us with their commitment during the training, which enabled them to come up with innovations in various areas of societal needs.
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“Let me also acknowledge that some of the innovations from previous editions of this programme were exhibited at the maiden edition of the TETFund National Research Fair/Exhibition held in November 2024 in Abuja. I am sure that the participants from this particular cohort, whom we are gathered here to celebrate, will not be different as they showcase their innovative outputs.
“In line with the commitment of the Fund to provide the enabling environment for problem-solving research, TETFund is funding the establishment of innovation hubs and entrepreneurship centres in our beneficiary institutions in phases.
“The first phase will involve 12 beneficiary institutions under the 2023 intervention year, the second phase will involve 18 institutions under the 2024 intervention, and the third phase will involve another 18 institutions under the 2025 intervention.
“These facilities will enable the participants to continue practising what they have learned at this innovation hub and mentor others,” Echono added.
Also speaking, Prof. Idris Bugaje, the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), emphasised the importance of innovations and registering trade names for intellectual property protection.
He encouraged Nigerian polytechnics to lead the way in practical innovation by applying scientific principles to create products and technologies that can elevate Nigeria’s technological standing.
Bugaje criticised the country’s reliance on foreign products, such as cars and phones, and stressed the need for local manufacturing. He referenced examples from Rwanda and Uganda, urging polytechnics to foster teamwork and take proactive steps to assert Nigeria’s capacity for innovation, thus contributing to the national economy.
Mr Edward Singhatey, Director at Innov8 Hub, charged participants to take the tools they acquired back to their institutions and share them with their students to ensure they promote innovation. “We need to commercialise our research,” he urged, encouraging them to use the tools at their disposal.
