The Executive Secretary, Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFund, Sonny Echono, has expressed the fund’s readiness to replicate innovation hubs projects in public universities and other higher education institutions in the country.
Mr Echono disclosed this at the opening of TETFund Alliance for Innovative Research, TETFAIR, initiative on Wednesday in Abuja.
He said the TETFAIR programme was put in place in collaboration with Innov8 Hub, saying that the move was part of efforts to institutionalise Research and Development, R&D, in the country.
“The TETFAIR programme is being conducted by TETFund in collaboration with Innov8 Technology Hub, a firm championing the advancement of Science and Technology Education in Nigeria.
“The programme is designed to support the advancement of solution-driven research, innovation and sustainable development in Nigeria.
“Being a year-long programme, TETFAIR is aimed at providing unique opportunity for our academics and researchers to transform their ideas into market-driven solutions, including the development and fabrication of prototypes.
“Through the programme, selected teams of researchers and academic staff with promising ideas for innovative solutions in the programme areas of focus, are being taken through a journey that combines technology and product development along with venture creation,” he said.
According to him, many Nigerians who took part in start-up programmes by Innov8 hub have recorded many breakthroughs in inventions and technology.
Mr Echono added that the fund was, however, committed to replicating these innovation hubs in all tertiary institutions.
“The programme is carefully packaged to take the participants through various courses that combine the intricacies, processes and procedures of Innovation Development, Prototyping and Venture Creation to enable them bring their innovative ideas to fruition.
“They will also go through training and mentorship on the business/entrepreneurial aspect of their project.
“At the end of the programme, participants will have the opportunity to showcase their innovations to stakeholders in the innovation ecosystem and potential investors, both local and international,” he added.
Mr Echono further said the initiative was also aimed at providing solutions to identified challenges based on strategic needs and national priorities in areas such as agriculture and food technology; environment, energy and circular economy, among others.
He said that the fund had sponsored production of another set of 50 books, which would soon be unveiled for use in tertiary institutions in the country.
NAN
