FG expresses readiness to fund innovative hub projects in varsities 

In a move to boost research and development projects in tertiary institutions, the federal government has expressed readiness to fund innovative hub projects in public universities and other higher education institutions across the country. 

Where did FG say this? 

Executive Secretary of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TetFund), Arc. Sunny Echono made this disclosure at the opening of the Tetfund Alliance for Innovative Research(TETFAIR) Initiative in Abuja, Echono said the Tetfair Programme was being conducted by Tetfund in collaboration with Innov8 Technology Hub, a firm committed to advancing science and tech education in Nigeria. 

What is Tetfair all about? 

According to Echono, the Tetfair Programme is aimed at “providing a unique opportunity for academics and researchers in Nigerian universities to transform their ideas into market-driven solutions, including the development and fabrication of prototypes,” adding that it was designed to support the advancement of solution-driven research, innovation and sustainable development in Nigeria.

Echono also said the initiative was also aimed at providing solutions to identified challenges based on the strategic needs and national priorities in areas such as Agriculture and food, Technology; environment, energy, and Circular Economy; Health and Accessibility; Information Communication Technology; Security Transportation, Aviation, Shipping among others. 

The year-long program will take participants through various courses that combine the intricacies, processes, and procedures of innovation development, prototyping, and venture creation to enable them to bring their innovative ideas to fruition. 

The participants will also go through training and mentorship on the business/entrepreneurial aspect of their project and, in the end, have the opportunity to showcase their innovation to stakeholders in the innovation ecosystem and both local and international potential investors. Commending the successes recorded from previous start-up programs by Innov8 hub, Echono said Tetfund was committed to replicating the programs in tertiary institutions in Nigeria.