The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) is funding the establishment of innovation hubs in 45 beneficiary institutions across the six geopolitical zones of the nation.
Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arc. Sonny Echono disclosed this at the closing ceremony of the 34th cohort of the Research for Impact (R4i) Initiative held in Abuja on Friday.
Represented by the Director of Monitoring and Evaluation, TETFund, Arc. Babatunde Olajide, the Executive Secretary explained that the R4i initiative “is part of our overarching strategy to institutionalise research and development across tertiary institutions through innovative practices and solution-driven research aimed at facilitating sustainable economic growth and national development”.
Echono stated that as an emerging economy, Nigeria’s education sector was experiencing steady growth while navigating the typical challenges common to developing nations. It is therefore in our best interest to develop homegrown solutions to our problems.
He further disclosed unwavering commitment to transforming our tertiary institutions has been the driving force behind the Fund’s continued investment in institutional capacity-building.
Additionally, he said they deliberately focused on supporting high-impact, innovative research because of the conviction that it is the bedrock of a knowledge-driven economy.
According to him, participants in previous cohorts of the initiative had produced several remarkable prototypes, some of which had been patented. He added that the positive feedback they have received from previous participants and beneficiary institutions encouraged them to sustain the R4i initiative and devise means of enhancing its impact.
Also, the Fund increased the number of participants nominated by each selected beneficiary institution from one at the inception of the programme to four participants with different but complementary scientific backgrounds.
The essence is, Echono explained was to build a team of innovative researchers who would mentor upcoming scholars within the system, thereby promoting the entrenchment and sustainability of collaborative and innovative research practices in our institutions. This will, in turn, propel the development of market-driven research outputs for commercialisation.
He announced that, “in line with the Fund’s commitment to providing an enabling environment for problem-solving research, we have taken steps to replicate the model of this innovation centre in our beneficiary institutions.
“In this regard, TETFund is funding the establishment of innovation hubs in 45 beneficiary institutions across the six geopolitical zones.
“These facilities will enable participants in this initiative to continue practising what they have learnt at this innovation hub, thereby transforming our institutions into breeding grounds for innovative practices”.
He therefore commended their technical partner, Innovate Technology Hub, for their willingness to partner with the Fund and their commitment to transforming the innovation ecosystem in the nation’s tertiary institutions and congratulated the participants on completing the two-week intensive programme.
To the beneficiaries, he said: “The programme has exposed you to ultramodern facilities and the rudiments of innovative research, equipping you with the capacity to transform your ideas into innovative solutions and viable enterprises.
“We believe that the rigorous practical training and tailored mentorship you have received from experts have empowered you to make a difference in your institutions and society.
“I therefore urge you to remain steadfast and keep the flag flying. Indeed, the completion of this phase signifies the commencement of the next phase, which involves working towards the commercialisation of the products you have developed. I urge you not to relent until this goal is accomplished”.
Deputy General Manager at Innov8 Hub, Deji Ige said they were deeply thankful for the leadership and collaboration of TETFund, adding that their unwavering support had been the cornerstone of the resounding success of their quest.
Ige also encouraged the beneficiaries to work in synergy for the progress of Nigeria:
“Today, as proud Nigerians on the verge of an exponential breaking, we can stand tall to say we are part of the people who will be the torch of R&D for innovation and venture creation in Nigeria that will instigate national development through the academia. Let the synergy among us serve as a catalyst for positive change in our life, our communities, and our country”, he said.
Speaking on behalf of the 34th cohort of the R4i initiative, Dr. Mustapha Mohammed said the program was an eye opener and going forward, research findings will not only end up on the shelves but would be used for the benefit of humanity.
