The Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Arc. Sonny Echono, has reaffirmed the Fund’s commitment to supporting research, innovation and entrepreneurship in Nigeria, stressing that commercialising research outputs remains critical to the country’s socio-economic development.

 

 

Speaking at the graduation ceremony of the fourth cohort of the Israel-Nigeria Innovation Fellowship for Aspiring Inventors and Researchers (i-FAIR) Programme in Abuja at he weekend, Echono said TETFund would continue to invest in initiatives that transform academic research into market-driven solutions capable of creating jobs and attracting investments.

 

 

He described the i-FAIR programme as a strategic platform that is helping to bridge the long-standing gap between academia and industry while nurturing a new generation of researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs.

 

 

According to him, the initiative aligns with TETFund’s broader agenda of institutionalising Research and Development (R&D) across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions through programmes such as the Research for Impact (R4i) initiative, the TETFund Alliance for Innovative Research (TETFAIR), and other capacity-building interventions.

 

 

“The problem of what to do with commercialisable research results or inventions usually stems from the difficulty academia faces in forging effective links with industry. It is this critical linkage between Science, Engineering, Technology and Innovation and the productive sector that is essential for translating research outputs into finished products for socio-economic benefit,” he said.

 

 

Arc. Echono noted that the programme’s focus on food security, medicine, educational technology, circular economy and clean energy aligns with Nigeria’s national development priorities, adding that the Fund has supported the initiative since its inception to help build businesses that create jobs and drive economic growth.

 

 

He lamented the inadequate role of the private sector in funding research and development across Africa, noting that public funding remains the predominant source of support for R&D activities in many developing countries. He, however, said TETFund is exploring more innovative funding mechanisms to deepen support for impactful research and innovation programmes.

 

 

 

The TETFund boss disclosed that participants in previous cohorts of the programme have developed patented innovations, while several entrepreneurs have emerged from the initiative to provide homegrown solutions to critical national challenges.

 

 

He expressed confidence that the fourth cohort would produce equally impactful innovations capable of generating entrepreneurial success stories and contributing meaningfully to the nation’s economy.

 

 

“Today’s event is particularly significant because we are celebrating the achievements of a new generation of Nigerian entrepreneurs who have demonstrated the extraordinary talent that exists across the country by developing innovative solutions to real challenges. The i-FAIR programme is helping to lay the foundation and redefine the trajectory for the transformation of our innovation ecosystem,” he said.

 

 

Echono commended the Embassy of the State of Israel, Innov8 Hub and other partners for sustaining the initiative, describing their support as going beyond corporate social responsibility to entrenching a culture of problem-solving research and innovation in Nigeria.

 

 

He assured participants and stakeholders that the Fund would continue to support laudable initiatives that promote innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainable national development.

 

 

 

The programme, now in its fourth year, is a collaborative initiative between TETFund, the State of Israel and Innov8 Hub. Since its inception, it has supported more than 130 Nigerian innovators, facilitated the development of over 80 prototypes, and delivered solutions advancing 16 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

 

 

The Guardian reports that i-Fair is a nine-month innovation and venture development programme supporting early stage startups and entrepreneurs in turning ideas into real products.

 

 

In his remarks, the Ambassador of the State of Israel to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, highlighted the remarkable success of the programme, noting that it has empowered Nigerian innovators through mentorship from Israeli experts, resulting in thriving businesses and meaningful contributions to economic growth.

 

 

Freeman, who announced that he would be departing Nigeria after completing his diplomatic assignment, expressed appreciation to key partners, particularly the Executive Secretary of TETFund and the Innov8 Hub team, for their invaluable support and commitment, which have been instrumental to the programme’s achievements.

 

 

The diplomat expressed confidence in the future of Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem, urging young entrepreneurs to continue transforming ideas into businesses.

 

 

He also announced funding for the fifth edition of the programme with applications commencing in October this year.

 

 

“This programme has never been about bringing Israeli solutions to Nigeria. It’s been about helping brilliant Nigerian innovators develop Nigerian solutions to Nigerian challenges supported by Israeli experience, mentorship, and innovation,” he said.

 

 

Also speaking, the Head of Programmes and Ventures at Innov8 Hub, Tolulope Aina, stated that while Nigeria is rich in innovative talent, the country must strengthen the structures that can translate ideas into sustainable industries and economic growth.

 

 

He observed that the ability of countries to convert innovation into prosperity depends largely on the robustness of their ecosystems, noting that strong support systems are essential for turning creative ideas into tangible outcomes.

 

 

Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of Engineers Without Borders Israel, Michal Hashimshony, applauded the creativity and resilience of the graduating entrepreneurs, describing Innov8 Hub as a platform with immense potential to drive transformative change across the African continent.

 

 

She said the entrepreneurs had inspired confidence in the future, stressing that technology should remain people-centred and that engineering possesses the capacity to improve lives and deliver meaningful societal impact.

 

 

Hashimshony further lauded the growing contributions of women to Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem, noting that the female innovators and leaders she encountered during her visit demonstrated exceptional talent and reinforced her optimism about the country’s future in technology and innovation.