Innov8 Hub, a non-profit and non-governmental innovation centre, has called for increased investment in research-driven solutions to address emerging global challenges.
The organizations Deputy General Manager, Dr. Deji Ige, made the appeal while speaking with journalists on the sidelines of a one-day demonstration for the Academic Solutions Incubation Programme (ASIP) on Friday in Abuja.
The event, titled “TETFAIR 5, 6, 7 and ASIP: Demo Day,” was organized by Innov8 Hub in collaboration with the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Alliance for Innovative Research (TETFAIR). It featured the unveiling of 15 fully functional prototypes developed by academics and researchers from tertiary institutions across the country. The innovations cut across agriculture, health, construction technology, digital solutions and energy.
Ige said the showcased projects reflected the成果 of Innov8 Hub’s partnership with TETFund, noting that the Hub serves as the implementing partner for both TETFAIR and ASIP.
“The choice of lecturers as participants was made through an open call for applications from academics in Nigerian tertiary institutions who are working to translate ideas into solutions for societal challenges.
“A lot of people applied, and the most viable and achievable ideas were selected through a free and fair process. The successful academics and researchers were then admitted into the programme.”
He stressed the importance of research leading to transformation, saying researchers must be solution-driven.
“These are solutions that have reached the Minimum Viable Product stage and can proceed to commercialization if there is investment,” he said.
On sustainability, Ige explained that market validation follows product development, involving direct engagement with users to ensure durability and relevance. He added that this process helps attract further investment and supports large-scale commercialization.
“All TETFAIR and ASIP participants enjoy the programme free of charge. Once you are selected, all expenses are fully covered,” he noted.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Mr. Sonny Echono, said the demo was designed to strengthen innovation awareness and relevance across tertiary institutions.
“Our national economy is dwindling because the world has shifted from producing graduates who simply fill administrative roles. With the growing knowledge economy, the emphasis now is on skills and talents,” he said.
Echono explained that the shift required a transformation of Nigeria’s education system, beginning with the teaching workforce.
“When you teach a teacher, the impact multiplies. This informed our partnership with Innov8 Hub to equip lecturers and reignite their creativity and research capacity.”
He disclosed that no fewer than 72 innovation hubs similar to Innov8 Hub had been established across various campuses, with more being added annually.
The programme included training on business development, business modelling, product refinement, technical mentorship, prototype design and fabrication. It also featured “Deal Rooms” where innovators engaged directly with investors, industry leaders and potential partners to explore uptake and investment opportunities.
The event’s highpoints included live pitch sessions, a leaderboard award presentation, the “My Tertiary Story” stage play, an EcoLab showcase and the presentation of patents and copyrights.
