TETFund asks indigenous inventors to showcase innovations

The Tertiary Education Trust Fund has called on Nigerian inventors, researchers, and digital creators to showcase their innovations at an upcoming five-day research and exhibition event.

The event, according to the Fund, is to highlight local talent and foster opportunities for growth and investment.

The event, scheduled to take place from November 17 at Eagle Square in Abuja, seeks to promote the development of solutions that can drive job creation, and product development, and enhance the quality of life for Nigerians.

In a statement, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, said the exhibition was open to more than just TETFund-supported institutions.

“This event is not limited to TETFund beneficiary institutions. We are inviting research institutes, private inventors, and digital creators.

“If you have developed anything that can contribute to job creation, improve products and services, or enhance the lives of our people, we encourage you to come and showcase your work,” Echono said.

Despite Nigeria having one of the largest annual outputs of PhD graduates in Africa, the country has faced challenges in translating academic research into tangible innovations that drive industrialisation and national development.

With the vast potential in regional and sub-regional markets, there is a growing need to harness the expertise of Nigerian researchers and innovators to address local challenges and reduce reliance on imported goods.

The statement read, “Nigeria’s universities and other tertiary institutions are urged to evolve into innovation hubs, focusing research on products that meet the needs of the local economy and contribute to the country’s industrialisation.

“By doing so, the nation can reduce its dependency on imports, stimulate the production of locally-made goods, and help strengthen the value of the Naira.

“The upcoming TETFund research and exhibition fair will provide a platform for inventors and creators to present their sellable projects, novel ideas, and innovations to potential investors, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders.

“The event is expected to spark partnerships and collaborations that can propel Nigeria’s development agenda forward, particularly in the areas of technology, manufacturing, and employment generation.”