Abuja – The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and the National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACIMA) have formalised a strategic partnership to realign Nigeria’s higher education system with industry needs.
The collaboration was sealed on Wednesday in Abuja with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) designed to strengthen research, spark innovation, and produce graduates equipped for today’s labour market
Speaking at the ceremony, TETFund’s Executive Secretary, Arch Sonny Echono, described the agreement as a milestone in bridging the long-standing divide between academia and industry. He said the partnership reflects the Federal Government’s vision of a skills-driven economy powered by innovation and youth enterprise.
According to Echono, the MoU reinforces TETFund’s “triple helix” approach, linking government, academia, and industry to drive sustainable national development. He noted that beyond funding research, the focus is now on translating knowledge into economic value.
The agreement prioritises industry-focused research, commercialisation of academic outputs, skills development, entrepreneurship, and job creation. It also provides a framework for joint ventures, policy advocacy, and structured collaboration between educational institutions and the private sector.
Echono added that empowering young Nigerians with problem-solving and critical-thinking skills would not only boost local productivity but also position Nigeria as a contributor to the global skills market.
NACIMA National President, Engr. Jani Ibrahim said the partnership would give businesses direct input into research priorities while opening pathways for students to gain practical experience through internships and industrial attachments.
He stressed that development thrives where knowledge meets enterprise, adding that the MoU would help convert research into market-ready solutions, improve workforce competence, and attract investment.
Ibrahim also noted that the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly its emphasis on efficient funding, modern research infrastructure, and technology-driven learning.
Both parties described the agreement as the starting point of a long-term strategy to strengthen Nigeria’s education–industry ecosystem and unlock opportunities for youths and businesses nationwide.
Plateau News Online 