Nigerian tertiary institutions face a major challenge – greater emphasis on theoretical knowledge that often fails to translate into practical skills.This development is particularly prevalent in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), where hands-on experience is crucial for students to develop required skills to enable them succeed in their chosen professions.
  
Industry experts said that besides lack of equipment and focusing too much on theoretical knowledge, another major issue is the lack of collaboration between tertiary institutions and industries, which has restrained students from gaining practical experience. This disconnect between academia and the industry denies students hands-on training and makes it difficult for them to apply their knowledge in real-world settings. As a result, most Nigerian graduates struggle to find employment or succeed in their chosen fields.
 
At the heart of this is the lack of proper exposure of Nigerian academics and researchers to industry trends, technological advancements and practical applications, making it more challenging for them to impart relevant skills and knowledge to their students.
  
This results in a disconnect between what is taught in the classroom and what is required in the industry, ultimately affecting the employability and preparedness of graduates.
  
To tackle this challenge, the Sonny Echono-led Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has partnered with Innov8 Hub, an innovation startup-driven organisation, to provide lecturers and researchers with opportunities for professional development, industry engagement and training to enhance their teaching methods and stay up-to-date with industry needs.
  
Launched in 2022, the Research for Impact (R4i) programme is a practical training initiative focused on addressing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) challenges. It aims to transform innovation management and value creation by providing hands-on training in problem-solving through research, utilising design tools and methods.   
  
This approach enables participants to develop a solution-oriented mindset, equipping them to tackle real-world problems effectively.R4i is therefore an avenue for TETFund to improve the research and development capacities of Nigerian academics, support their ideas and monitor their efforts in translational research. With the initiative, the Fund is also championing the cause of creating a formidable platform for Nigerian academics, researchers, innovators and inventors to become patent owners and venture creators.
 
The two-week immersive programme featured 51 scholars from 11 polytechnics nationwide, including Port Harcourt Polytechnic; Kaduna Polytechnic; Auchi Polytechnic; Ramat Polytechnic, Maiduguri; Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic and Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi.
  
Others are Federal Polytechnic, Nekede; Yaba College of Technology; The Polytechnic, Ibadan; Plateau State Polytechnic and Federal Polytechnic, Offa.
  
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 30th Cohort of the R4i initiative in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of TETFund revealed that Nigeria is set to receive 48 state-of-the-art innovation hubs and entrepreneurship centres. He noted that the centres, which are in phases, commenced in 2023 with 12 hubs already set up, 18 more in final stages of procurement and another 18 planned for 2025.
  
According to Echono, the initiative is designed to significantly enhance Nigeria’s research and innovation landscape. He listed expected outcomes of the hubs to include increased research output and impact, leading to improved rankings and reputation for Nigerian tertiary institutions; surge in innovation and entrepreneurship, leading to the creation of new businesses, jobs, and economic opportunities as well as improved economic growth. 
  
Echono said: “In line with the commitment of the Fund to provide the enabling environment for problem-solving research, TETFund is funding the establishment of Innovation Hubs and Entrepreneurship Centres in our beneficiary institutions in phases. We started this programme in 2023 with 12 beneficiary institutions. All the equipment is in place. We are in the process of installing and ensuring that they become operational.
  
“Last year, we commenced the process for an additional 18 institutions and we are at the final stages, at the procurement stage. Hopefully, within the next couple of weeks, we will be at the Federal Executive Council to also kick start the implementation of that.”
  
He continued: “In continuation of the phased development programme, another 18 institutions will be coming up in 2025, bringing it to a total of 48 that we would be providing these facilities and replicating what we have at Innov8 Hub. This is to encourage those of you that would have passed through here to be able to go back and see similar facilities and be coaches and mentors for other researchers based on the experience you have garnered from here.”
  
The TETFund boss added that the programme seeks to empower researchers and academics with the skills and knowledge needed to conduct cutting-edge, solution-focused research that tackles pressing societal issues.
  
The Managing Director, Innov8 Hub, Gregory Ibe Jr, reported that over the past three years, the initiative has offered a structured pathway for approximately 1,000 researchers, entrepreneurs and creative individuals to develop their ideas, resulting in the creation of over 150 prototypes.
 
Urging participants to serve as catalysts for innovation in their respective institutions, he encouraged them to leverage the skills and knowledge acquired during the training programme to drive meaningful change and promote a culture of innovation among their students.