In a decisive move to transform academic research into tangible economic gains, the Federal Government has officially inaugurated key committees to develop a National Research-to-Commercialisation Policy. The initiative, launched on 16 January 2026, seeks to address the long-standing gap between knowledge creation in Nigeria's institutions and its practical application in the marketplace.
Strategic Committees and Substantial Funding Unveiled
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, inaugurated two critical panels: a steering committee and a policy drafting committee. While the steering committee, chaired by Alausa himself, will provide high-level strategic direction, the technical drafting team is under the supervision of Dr. Tayo Aduloju.
Signaling the government's commitment, Alausa announced that a substantial operational budget of N3 billion has been earmarked for the Research, Innovation and Commercialisation Committee (RICC) in the 2026 fiscal year. Furthermore, plans are underway to align existing research funding streams to eliminate duplication and foster synergy for measurable outcomes.
Bridging the Gap Between Labs and the Market
Minister Alausa highlighted a critical national challenge: despite significant investments in universities and research institutes, the conversion of findings into products and services remains limited and disjointed. The new policy is crafted specifically to bridge this divide.
The core objective is to reposition research and innovation as intentional catalysts for industrial competitiveness and economic growth. This will be achieved by establishing clear, nationally applicable frameworks to guide the journey from discovery to commercial and social benefit.
Roadmap and Commitment to Swift Delivery
The policy drafting committee, chaired by Dr. Tayo Aduloju—who also leads the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG)—has been given a clear mandate and a tight deadline. The committee's tasks include:
- Developing and finalising the national policy document.
- Recommending sustainable funding and incentive structures.
- Creating a detailed implementation roadmap.
- Setting up a robust, results-based monitoring and evaluation framework.
In his response, Aduloju assured that the committee would employ inclusive and evidence-driven methods. He stressed the need for policies tailored to Nigeria's local realities and committed to delivering the draft policy within the agreed three-month timeframe. He affirmed that this policy is foundational to strengthening the institutional bedrock needed to drive the nation's industrialisation agenda.
This policy initiative represents a strategic attempt to systematically harness Nigeria's intellectual capital, aiming to ensure that the country's research investments finally translate into widespread economic development and global competitiveness.
