Homegrown Nigerian Innovations Set to Hit Global Markets, TETFund Says

Abuja, Nigeria – Nigeria’s research sector takes a bold leap as homegrown, market-ready prototypes are unveiled in Abuja, marking a new era for innovation driven by local expertise.

At the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI) Demo Day and Closing Ceremony on Wednesday, Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Arc. Sonny Echono, declared, “This is more than just a prototype showcase. It’s a transformation—research becoming enterprise, and academia fuelling national development.”

The SGCI, a 17-nation African initiative funded by Canada’s IDRC and the UK’s FCDO, awarded a $250,000 grant to Nigerian researchers under TETFund’s Research for Impact (R4i) initiative. Over 12 months, four research teams comprising 18 scholars developed innovations with real-world potential, including AirVolt (renewable energy), I-GEL (agricultural biotech), and Jolly Fryer (an improved garri processing system).

“The prototypes presented today align with both national and global development goals,” Echono said. “This reflects the success of our Triple Helix Synergy—where academia, government, and industry drive sustainable innovation.”

Representing the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Mr. Francis Sani praised TETFund’s leadership, linking the initiative with ongoing national projects such as the Nigeria Talent Initiative and the 3MTT program. “We must build systems that transcend administrations and deliver lasting impact,” he said.

Nicholas Odongo of the African Centre for Technology Studies added, “These aren’t just technical successes—they’re transformative. They represent African knowledge answering African challenges.”

Gregory Ibe, MD of Innov8 Hub, emphasized, “We are nurturing a vibrant innovation ecosystem. The journey from concept to execution proves African ingenuity can solve global problems.”

With innovation now in full gear, TETFund affirms it will keep backing research that creates jobs, drives growth, and positions Nigeria as a global innovation leader.

Gom Marian – Report