Stakeholders in Nigeria’s education sector have been reacting over the conclusion of the collaborative effort between the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and Innov8 Hub, otherwise known as the Research for Impact (R4i) initiative.
  
The two-week training programme for 51 scholars from 11 polytechnics nationwide was designed to significantly enhance the research and innovation landscape.
  
Outcomes of the hubs include increased research output and impact, leading to improved rankings and reputation for Nigerian tertiary institutions; a surge in innovation and entrepreneurship, leading to the creation of new businesses, jobs and economic opportunities.
  
At the closing ceremony of the training, the Executive Secretary, National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Professor Idris Bugaje, applauded the Sonny Echono-led Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) for sponsoring the training programme and supporting the development of technical education in the country.
 
Bugaje commended TETFund’s commitment to enhancing the quality of technical education through such initiatives as the training programme for scholars from various polytechnics.
  
He highlighted the significance of protecting intellectual property through patenting innovations and registering trade names.
  
The academic urged Nigerian polytechnics to take the lead in practical innovation, leveraging scientific principles to develop products and technologies that can boost Nigeria’s technological standing.
  
But he criticised Nigeria’s reliance on foreign products and emphasised the need for local manufacturing, citing examples from Rwanda and Uganda, even as he encouraged polytechnics to foster teamwork and take proactive steps to assert Nigeria’s innovation capacity, contributing to the national economy.
  
Addressing participants, Bugaje said: “I am very sure many of these innovations and ideas you have exhibited could be patented, because that is the most important step in innovation. You must patent your ideas, discoveries and innovations. Besides patents, if there are any names, I have seen many names mentioned in some of the programmes, you also need to do trade name registration.
  
“The challenge is on us today in Nigeria. The country is among the top nations on the continent in terms of population, GDP and many other criteria but it doesn’t have a technology that could be called Nigerian.
 
“We are holding Samsung products from Korea, driving cars made in Asia and Europe. This training is very important because it is exposing you to teamwork. This is what happens throughout the presentation.”
  
Sharing their experiences, some of the participants expressed profound gratitude to the Fund for the opportunity, highlighting the new skills and knowledge gained, and how the training would impact their teaching and research practices back in their respective institutions.
  
They shared specific takeaways, successes and challenges, providing valuable insights into the programme’s effectiveness.
  
For Lele Mohammed of Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi, the training was a valuable experience that equipped him with new skills and knowledge, enhancing his ability to contribute to the development of technical education in Nigeria.
  
He shared his appreciation for the opportunity and the impact it would have on his work at the polytechnic.
  
His words: “The R4i training at Innov8 Hub, sponsored by TETFund, has been a transformative experience that reshaped my understanding of research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. As a lecturer at Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi, I have always viewed research as an academic pursuit, focused on publications and theoretical knowledge.

However, this training has opened my eyes to a new reality – that   research should drive real-world impact, solve pressing problems and generate wealth.
  
“Through thought-provoking lectures on innovation, emotional intelligence, pitch script creation and hands-on practical sessions, I learnt how to turn ideas into marketable prototypes. The experience was nothing short of revolutionary. I am now equipped with the tools and mindset to think beyond traditional academia and explore the world of commercialisation.
   
“One of the most exciting moments was the prototyping session, where I saw firsthand how ideas can be transformed into tangible solutions. This has reinforced my belief that research should not be confined to academic papers but should translate into viable products that impact society and create wealth.
  
“I am leaving this programme with a renewed sense of purpose, not just for myself but for my students as well. I am now on a mission to inspire them to see research as a tool for innovation, entrepreneurship, and societal development. Instead of conducting research solely for publication and promotion, they can focus on solving real problems, creating sustainable solutions, and turning ideas into thriving businesses.
  
“R4i has given me the knowledge, confidence, and motivation to embrace innovation. I am no longer just a lecturer; I am an innovator, an entrepreneur and a changemaker. This experience has provided me with a blueprint for success, and I am determined to use it to create lasting impact. R4i has been life-changing. I walked in as a lecturer; I left as a visionary. Research is more than academia; it is a gateway to impact and success.
 
 “To make a difference, I will use the stipend I received at the end of the training to fund and commercialise the best student project I supervise. This is just the beginning. The journey has just begun and the future is filled with endless possibilities.”