The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa has inaugurated a committee to boost the commercialization of research and innovation for sustainable development in Nigeria.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony held in July in Abuja the Minister stated that the initiative was aimed at bridging the gap between the academia and industry, and also translating scientific research and innovation from the laboratory into commercially viable products and services in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision to strengthen the Nation’s research and innovation capacity and move Nigeria to a knowledge-based economy.
“Nations that have achieved sustainable development and global competitiveness have done so by investing in knowledge creation and, more importantly, in the effective commercialisation of research outputs.
“The weak link between academia and industry has limited our ability to reap the enormous benefits of research. This committee will serve as a strategic bridge between both worlds.
“The commercialisation of research outputs will not only generate revenue for institutions and researchers but will also enhance Nigeria’s self-reliance, improve the innovation index, and attract international investments,” he said.
Dr. Alausa emphasized that research and innovation remain critical to the sustenance of society, as they have the capacity to address social problems and improve the standard of living, noting that nations that have achieved sustainable development and global competitiveness have done so by investing heavily in knowledge creation and commercialization of research outputs.
He noted that through the instrumentality of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), the Ministry has supported transformative intervention projects that are geared towards enhancing the research and innovation capacity of Nigerian tertiary institutions.
The Minister commended the Board of Trustees of TETFund and the entire management of the Fund for their commitment towards strengthening research and innovation landscape of the country through innovative initiatives and assured that the Ministry would continue to support the Fund and all stakeholders.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Said Ahmad decried the worrisome disconnection between academia and industry, noting that research conducted in tertiary institutions has become a mere tool for career advancement.
She called for a change in the narrative as Nigerian tertiary institutions should be breeding grounds for creativity, original thinking, and innovation that shape the wellbeing of our country as well as drive socio-economy development.
Prof. Suwaiba advocated for the holistic adoption of the Triple Helix model for a sustainable transition toward achieving a successful knowledge-based economy in the country.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arc. Sonny Echono noted that the Fund has developed initiatives geared towards promoting impactful research and facilitate the uptake of research outcomes with potential commercialization to create synergy between the government, private sector and the academia.
He expressed appreciation to the Minister and the Minister of State for Education for their continuous support and transformative leadership for the education sector, adding that their sustained encouragement has been the driving force for achieving success in the implementation of several initiatives embarked upon by the Fund.
The committee is chaired by the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), Dr Tayo Aduloju, with Prof. Ibrahim Katampe, Dr Umar Bindir, Prof. Sydney Ibeanusi, Dr Detoun Ogwu, representatives from the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, the Bank of Industry, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), and Nigerian universities serving as members.
