By Tony Christian
Young innovators drawn from 11 Nigerian polytechnics are leveraging Research for Impact, R4i, initiative-sponsored by Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFund, to unlock new opportunities that is shaping the rapid growing innovative hubs in Nigeria high institutions. .
Additionally, the ingenuity displayed by these vibrant youths at the just concluded 30th cohort of the R4i initiative, held at Innov8 Hub in Abuja, the Nigeria’s capital, reaffirmed Nigeria’s potential to effectively develop and deploy homegrown solutions in tackling Nigeria challenges in unique and innovative ways.
For many, these are encouraging signs that the Alliance for Innovative Research (TETFAIR) for universities and Research for Impact (R4i) for polytechnics, initiated by TETFund, in collaboration with Innov8 Hub has instituted the desire pedigree for resilience, performance and positive outcomes amid increasing demand for homegrown solution.
It also underscores the fact that creative innovation and entrepreneurship are the vital ingredients for socio-economic transformation as exemplified by the groundbreaking innovations showcased at the 10-day intensive boot camp at the Abuja Innov8 Hub:
- Zero Hunger (Ramat Polytechnic, Maiduguri): “Rampo Kids,” a nutrient-rich cereal designed to fortify children under five with essential vitamins and minerals.
- Affordable and Clean Energy (Federal Polytechnic, Nekede): An “Eco-Waste Converter Machine” that transforms biomass waste into clean fuel briquettes through pyrolysis.
- Climate Action (Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic): A real-time soil moisture and environmental monitoring device with SMS alerts for farmers.
- Good Health & Well-Being (The Polytechnic Ibadan): “Funfit,” a fitness device encouraging professionals over 40 to engage in physical activities.
- Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure (Plateau State Polytechnic): “Power Watch,” a system that provides SMS alerts on power fluctuations for water boards and energy providers.
- Clean Water & Sanitation (Auchi Polytechnic): “Microchem,” an advanced wastewater treatment solution removing microbial and chemical contaminants.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the event, Architect Sonny Echono said TETFund is committed to fostering the culture of problem-solving research, entrepreneurship, and technological advancement.
“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.
“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 involved twelve (12) beneficiary institutions under the 2023 intervention year, the second phase involved eighteen (18) institutions under the 2024 intervention, and the third phase will involve another eighteen (18) institutions under the 2025 intervention.
“These facilities will enable the participants of this programme to continue practicing what they have learned at this innovation hub and mentor others,” Echono added.
The Executive Secretary assured that the 18 new Innovation Hubs will strengthen Nigeria’s research and innovative capabilities.
He disclosed that the Fund has earmarked N70 billion to strengthen Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET), in other to boost innovation and skills development in Nigeria.
He said that starting this year, the Fund would prioritize TVET and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), noting that the plan of the government was to build in phases 72 innovation hubs and centres across the country.
“There’s a whole lot of investment going to the tech sector, both at the lowest level, at the middle level, and even at the top. So we can now have a well-trained workforce that meets all our needs, and also have a surplus that we can export and let them go there, bring back the good things that they’re going to learn in those countries and invest in our economy”.
For Innov8 Hub’s Managing Director, Gregory Ibe (Jnr), the organization would not relent on its mission to bridge the gap between research, development, and commercialisation.
Expressing gratitude to TETFund, he noted that Innov8 Hub has facilitated the transformation of ideas into impactful solutions, resulting in the development of over 250 prototypes and supporting more than 1,000 researchers, entrepreneurs, and creatives. He called on Nigerians to keep driving innovations as a way of creating meaningful and lasting change in the society.
The Executive Secretary of the National Board of Technical Education, NBTE, Professor Idris Bugaje, urged polytechnics to steer Nigeria’s industrialisation through knowledge-based innovation.
Innov8 Director and former ECOWAS Vice President, His Excellency Edward Singhatey, praised the participants’ stunning works put together in under two weeks, and charged them to refine their innovations for market viability.
Tony Christian is the Publisher Daily Intel Newspaper, can be reached on newspaperdailyintel@gmail.com
