By Nigerians have fresh reason to believe in the country’s boundless potential, as TETFund and Innov8 Hub continue to transform academic research into innovation with real-world impact.
Through the Research for Impact (R4i) initiative, 68 participants from 11 polytechnics nationwide recently graduated from Cohort 30 after a rigorous 10-day bootcamp held at Innov8 Hub, Abuja—showcasing inventive solutions tailored to Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges.
TETFund Executive Secretary, Arc. Sonny Echono, praised the cohort’s creative output, calling the initiative a “testament to TETFund’s mission to fund solution-driven research and innovation.” He reiterated the Fund’s phased plan to establish 48 innovation hubs and entrepreneurship centres across public tertiary institutions by 2025.
“These hubs will equip participants with skills to mentor others and transform institutions and communities,” Echono said.
Innov8 Hub’s Managing Director, Gregory Ibe (Jnr), noted the hub has supported over 1,000 innovators and produced more than 250 prototypes, bridging the gap between research, development, and commercialisation.
“We believe in innovation as the pathway to lasting societal transformation,” he said, thanking TETFund and urging Nigerians to “keep driving change from within.”
Professor Idris Bugaje, Executive Secretary of NBTE, called on polytechnics to steer the nation’s industrialisation through “knowledge-based innovation,” while Innov8 Director Edward Singhatey, lauded the participants’ impressive work completed in under two weeks.
Representing the group, Engr. Nandang Kargwak Ishaku of Plateau State Polytechnic said:
“Innov8 Hub’s work culture has reignited our belief in a new Nigeria—where innovation and research lead national progress.”
Showcased Innovations:
“Rampo Kids” (Ramat Polytechnic, Maiduguri): A nutrient-rich cereal tackling child malnutrition.
“Eco-Waste Converter” (Federal Polytechnic, Nekede): A pyrolysis machine turning biomass waste into fuel.
“Soil & Environment Monitor” (Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic): A device with SMS alerts to aid precision farming.
“Funfit” (The Polytechnic Ibadan): A fitness tool targeting health for adults 40+.
“Power Watch” (Plateau State Polytechnic): An alert system for power instability impacting infrastructure.
“Microchem” (Auchi Polytechnic): A solution for wastewater purification and safe disposal.
As the R4i programme continues to scale, Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem looks set for a renaissance—powered by its own people. With TETFund and Innov8 Hub leading the charge, the future is being shaped today, one prototype at a time.
