The 5-day Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) research fair, recently held in Abuja, marked a significant milestone in the nation’s pursuit of innovation and academic excellence.
The event, which showcased a variety of groundbreaking research projects, received high praise from both government officials and academic leaders as it ended last week.
Arch. Sonny Echono, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, expressed his satisfaction with the event, noting that the expectations set for the fair were not only met but exceeded. He credited the successful outcome to the collective efforts of all involved, stating.
Echono revealed that the Nigerian Minister of Education has called for an expansion of the event’s organising committee for next year’s fair, with the inclusion of members from research institutes, the private sector, and other relevant bodies.
He said no matter the sector, a country’s growth depends on the intellectual capacity of its people, stressing the importance of training individuals with skills and knowledge in their respective fields.
He further explained that Nigeria has the potential to leapfrog other nations by tapping into the talents of its young people, especially in sectors like agriculture, where the country has immense untapped potential.
Echono spoke of the immense possibilities within Nigeria’s agricultural sector, noting that Nigeria currently has one of the lowest agricultural yields in Africa, highlighting the importance of developing high-yielding, climate-resistant seeds that could help address challenges like flooding, which often impacts farmers.
“Imagine if we can develop seeds that guarantee higher yields. They would automatically translate to higher revenue and income for farmers”. This, he added, would not only benefit the agriculture sector but also create job opportunities and improve the standard of living for those involved.
The fair also showcased innovations that could revolutionise Nigeria’s agricultural and technological landscapes.
One notable exhibit was a series of electric vehicles developed by innovators, which run on solar power and could help reduce the country’s reliance on expensive energy sources.
Another innovation was a mobile STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) lab designed to reach Nigeria’s 20 million out-of-school children, particularly those in the northern part of the country where insecurity has devastated educational infrastructures.
This mobile lab aims to provide digital skills training to these children, helping them stay engaged with education despite the challenges they face.
Another standout project was the “Smart Campus” solution developed by Delta State Polytechnic. The project, created by staff and students, addresses key challenges such as energy management, insecurity, and skills development on Nigerian campuses.
The Smart Campus model includes the use of artificial intelligence for access control and monitoring, as well as the implementation of energy-efficient systems. With insecurity on the rise, particularly in educational institutions, this model offers a practical solution to creating safer, more secure campuses.
Echono emphasised that these innovations are not mere models but fully functional designs that demonstrate what can be achieved when academic research is applied to real-world problems. “This is a green field,” he said, referring to the vast potential for innovation in Nigeria. The possibilities and opportunities are limitless.”
Echono therefore, said the country’s future depends on their willingness to take action. “Identify critical national problems, identify opportunities for growth, and be the change you want to see,” he urged researchers. “Lead the effort, leave a mark, have a legacy.”
He acknowledged that while past generations may have failed to deliver on some promises, Nigeria’s brightest days lie ahead, and it is up to the current generation to make the necessary changes.
He also expressed his commitment to supporting young innovators, pledging that TETFund would continue to assist them in commercializing their ideas and obtaining patents. “We are here to help you get your patent, to help you reap the benefits of your intellectual efforts,” Echono assured.
Also speaking, Dr. Salihu Bakari, the Director of Research and Development at TETFund, reflected on the importance of the research fair, noting that it was a step toward institutionalising research and development in Nigeria.
He emphasised that the nation has the potential to become a knowledge economy, drawing comparisons to countries like South Korea, Singapore, and Malaysia, which were once behind Nigeria but have now surpassed it by turning knowledge into economic productivity.
Salihu thanked the TETFund leadership for their vision and commitment to transforming Nigeria’s economy through research and innovation.
He noted that the fair was just the beginning of a long journey towards building a knowledge-based economy.
Professor Hayward Mafuyai, Chairman of the TETFund National Research Fair/Exhibition Committee, also spoke about the fair’s significance.
He revealed that out of over 3,000 submissions, 400 were selected for exhibition, and more than 30 potential deals were in the works.
While 30 deals might seem modest, Mafuyai explained that if just a few of these projects are commercialised, they could lead to mass production and export, significantly impacting Nigeria’s economy.
He pointed out that the knowledge economy in Nigeria is still in its early stages, but with the right investments and focus, it could grow substantially, noting that the digital economy alone was projected to contribute $18 billion to the nation’s GDP by 2026.
As the country continues to invest in its human capital, the hope is that these efforts will help propel Nigeria into the ranks of the world’s most innovative nations.
