The Science Granting Council Initiative (SGCI) Demonstration Day may have been over but its impact will linger in the memories and minds of participants for a long time.
The SGCI project, implemented by TETFund in partnership with Kenya’s African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS) and Nigeria’s Innov8 Hub, focuses on converting promising research into ready-for-market products over a 12-month cycle.
Under the leadership of Arc. Sonny Echono, TETFund, in 2023, secured a $250,000 grant for selected researchers under its Research for Impact (R4i) initiative. The grant, funded by Canada’s International Development and Research Centre (IDRC) and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, United Kingdom (FCDO), was awarded to four research teams from 14 TETFund beneficiary institutions.
At the SGCI Demo Day and closing ceremony held at Innov8 Hub Abuja, participants – made up of lecturers and researchers from 15 beneficiary TETFund institutions – lauded the Fund for its strategic vision and unwavering support for homegrown innovation.
They expressed appreciation for the opportunity to receive international exposure, practical training and access to technical resources through the R4i programme. Many noted that the initiative had fundamentally shifted their perspective on research from being primarily academic to being problem-solving and impact-driven.
Sharing his testimonial, Professor Victor Nwaugo of Abia State University said: “In sincerity, during this training, I realised I cannot just produce anything I want; it should be based on the people’s needs. The end-user will tell you about their needs and then you utilise the data to effectively reflect on your product.”
For Dr. Agim Chimnobi of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri: “The ability to participate in this programme has first of all boosted my morale as a person and as an academic and that transcends to impacting needful knowledge to our students and also contributing greatly to scientific research in universities, thereby contributing to national development.”
Also, Dr. Ramatu Shaaba of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, said: “Coming here, I realised that you have to fall in love with the problems and not your solution; whereby you have your own customers’ satisfaction in view. That is what I feel innovation and commercialisation is.”
In the same vein, Professor Osita Chiaghanam of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University said: “My participation at TETFund’s Research for Impact Initiative has translated into SGCI coming in to fund our research. This will go a long way in reducing the impact of water borne diseases in Nigeria.”
In addition to showcasing the prototypes and innovations developed during the 12-month cycle, the Demonstration Day also highlighted the transformative power of mentorship and collaboration.
Researchers praised the hands-on guidance provided by Innov8 Hub and ACTS, which helped refine their ideas and enhance the commercial viability of their projects. The event served not just as a celebration of achievements, but as a learning experience that underlined the importance of scalability, sustainability, and market readiness in research output.
The sense of inspiration and collective purpose was palpable throughout the day. Many participants expressed how the Demonstration Day reignited their motivation to pursue science-driven solutions to societal issues. The event reaffirmed the crucial role that science granting councils play not only in funding research but also in shaping national development agenda and evidence-based policy.
The event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders united by a shared commitment to strengthening science, technology, and innovation (STI) across Africa. Without question, it was not just a formal gathering, but a celebration of progress and a space to reflect on the strides made through SGCI’s collaborative efforts.
In his remarks, Echono expressed delight that the teams have developed innovative solutions to address pressing societal challenges. According to the TETFund boss, the research projects, which aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focused on such areas as Affordable and Clean Energy, Life on Land, Clean Water and Sanitation, Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure.
He said: “Through transformative initiatives such as the SGCI partnership projects, we are not just funding prototypes; we are also fueling a movement, where a single innovation in a university laboratory or workshop can ripple outward, creating jobs, solving societal problems and putting Nigeria on the map as the hub of African ingenuity. I am particularly happy that this is manifesting at the intersection of the Triple Helix Synergy among the government, academia, and the industry. Alone, each has limits but together, they can form a veritable catalyst for sustainable development.
“TETFund remains steadfast in the belief that Research and Development is the bedrock upon which great nations are built. It is through this bridge between theory and practical application that we can close the gap between knowledge and impact. By supporting these incubation journeys, we are investing in a movement that is reshaping the very foundation of Nigeria’s academic and innovation landscape. Across our nation’s tertiary institutions, a revolution is unfolding where complex concepts are being transformed into real-world solutions, and academic theories are reimagined as life-changing innovations.
“The Fund is committed to advancing research and innovation within academia, knowing that its ripple effects drive technological advancement, economic growth and national prosperity. This initiative is a shining example of how research can transcend theory and evolve into commercially viable, solution-oriented innovations, thereby setting a bold new benchmark of excellence in Nigerian tertiary education.”
As the curtains fell on the event, there was a shared sense of optimism and commitment among the participants. Many left with renewed enthusiasm to pursue research with direct societal impact and to collaborate beyond institutional boundaries.
With the foundation laid by the SGCI project and TETFund’s visionary leadership, stakeholders say the prospects for Nigeria’s research and innovation ecosystem look more promising than ever.
