The Federal Government has taken a decisive step to bridge the gap between Nigeria's research outputs and tangible economic benefits. It has formally inaugurated two key committees to develop and drive a National Research-to-Commercialisation Policy.
Committees Inaugurated with Clear Mandates
On Wednesday, January 15, 2026, the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, inaugurated a high-level Steering Committee and a technical Policy Drafting Committee. The Steering Committee, which Dr Alausa will personally chair, is tasked with providing strategic direction and ensuring the initiative aligns with national priorities. The Policy Drafting Team is led by Dr Tayo Aduloju, who also chairs the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG).
A significant operational budget of ₦3 billion has been approved for the Research, Innovation and Commercialisation Committee (RICC) in the 2026 fiscal year. The minister also revealed plans to streamline existing research funding channels to foster synergy and achieve measurable outcomes.
Addressing a Critical National Gap
While inaugurating the panels, Dr Alausa highlighted a persistent challenge. He noted that despite substantial investments in research across universities and specialised institutes, the translation of these findings into marketable products and services has remained limited and disjointed.
The new policy is designed to systematically bridge this divide. It aims to introduce clear, nationally applicable frameworks to convert knowledge into commercial, industrial, and social benefits. "This policy is not about commercialisation for its own sake," Alausa stated. "It is about developmental impact—about ensuring that research solves real problems, supports productivity, and strengthens national competitiveness."
Roadmap and Commitment to Delivery
The Policy Drafting Committee has a robust and time-bound mandate. Its responsibilities include:
- Developing and finalising the national policy document.
- Recommending sustainable funding and incentive structures.
- Creating a detailed implementation roadmap.
- Establishing a results-based monitoring and evaluation framework.
In his response, Dr Tayo Aduloju assured that the committee would employ inclusive and evidence-driven methods. He committed to submitting a draft policy within an agreed three-month timeframe. Dr Aduloju emphasised the need for policies tailored to Nigeria's unique realities and pledged the committee's full commitment to delivering a relevant, high-impact framework.
This initiative marks a strategic move by the government to reposition research and innovation as deliberate catalysts for economic growth and enhanced industrial competitiveness.
