In a significant boost for Nigeria's innovation landscape, academics and researchers from eleven tertiary institutions have unveiled groundbreaking prototypes, marking a major milestone for the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).
A Milestone for Nigerian Research and Development
The Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arch Sonny Echono, announced this achievement during the closing event and Demo Day for the TETFund Alliance for Innovative Research (TETFAIR), held in Abuja on Thursday. This program is the result of a strategic partnership involving the Academic Solutions Incubation Programme (ASIP), the Science Granting Council Initiative (SGCI), and the INCUB8 Programmes at the Innov8 Technology Hub in Abuja.
Addressing participants, Echono expressed profound gratitude for their support, which underscores the Fund's unwavering commitment to advancing research and development across Nigeria. He highlighted TETFund's crucial role as a government agency mandated to intervene in the nation's tertiary education sector.
"Your presence demonstrates support for the Fund’s unwavering commitment to advancing research and development in Nigeria," Echono stated. He reflected that while various initiatives have been introduced over the years to tackle unemployment and poverty, persistent challenges necessitate a more sustainable approach rooted in science, technology, and innovation.
The Pathway from Idea to Reality
Echono detailed the evolution of this initiative, which began with the launch of the Research for Impact (R4i) and Transformative Innovation Workshop (TIW) programmes in 2021. This foundation expanded to include TETFAIR in 2022, and was further bolstered by the addition of ASIP, the facilitation of SGCI-funded projects, and the INCUB8 programmes in 2024.
According to the Executive Secretary, these interconnected programmes provide a structured pathway for research commercialisation. They range from intensive six-week training sessions to year-long incubation cycles, all designed to equip Nigerian researchers and academics with the necessary technical support, mentorship, resources, and environment to transform their groundbreaking ideas into viable, real-world solutions.
He also emphasized that these efforts are strategically targeted at key national priorities, including:
- Agriculture and food technology
- Environment, energy, and circular economy
- Health and accessibility
- Information and communication technology
- Security
- Transportation and shipping
- Production process improvement
Showcasing Nigerian Ingenuity: The Prototypes
The event featured a dynamic pitch session where the eleven teams presented their innovative prototypes, demonstrating a wide range of solutions to local and national challenges.
The Polytechnic of Ibadan presented Funfit, a gamified fitness device that generates electricity as users exercise.
Ramat Polytechnic, Maiduguri, showcased Rampokids, a nutritious cereal for children aged 2-5 made from locally sourced ingredients.
Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun State, demonstrated Powermantech, while Federal Polytechnic, Ado Ekiti, unveiled Ecopave.
Federal College of Education Technical, Umunze, introduced Orufe, a cassava shredding machine, and Federal College of Education, Pankshin, presented Agromareh, an AI-powered crop health monitoring platform.
Federal College of Education, Katsina, revealed Agromech, a motorised hand-guided two-row planter.
Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, displayed Solarmilkpro, a solar-powered milking machine.
The University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Umuagwo, Imo State, introduced the Agronova Dryer, a hybrid solar dryer.
Furthermore, Modibo Adama University showcased Flo-Vend, an automated web-enabled menstrual materials vending machine, and Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, unveiled Tripleshield Agro, an eco-innovative pesticide solution.
This collective showcase not only highlights the creative potential within Nigerian academia but also signals a promising step towards tangible, home-grown solutions for the nation's development.
