Give us right environment to thrive, Young innovators tell FG
Give us right environment to thrive, Young innovators tell FG
Young Innovators of Nigeria (YIN), has called on Federal Government to create the right atmosphere to enable young inventors to unleash their potential on the nation’s economy.
The founder of the group, Mr Andrew Abu, made the call during interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Wednesday.
He said to achieve that young innovators should be involved in formulation and implementation of policies in the technology and innovation sector of the economy.
He said there should also be deliberate efforts to strengthen policy implementation monitoring and evaluation, improve infrastructure and foster better public-private sector partnership.
“The state of infrastructure, including power supply, broadband penetration, and research facilities, poses a challenge to innovators.
“Many promising ideas do not reach commercial viability due to the lack of access to modern technology and facilities.
“The migration of skilled professionals to developed countries—driven by better economic opportunities and a more enabling environment—has weakened Nigeria’s innovation space.
“Retaining top talents requires stronger incentives, better funding, and policy-driven support for innovators,” Abu said.
Abu also said that it was unfortunate that government in Nigeria often favoured foreign firms over local startups and innovators in awards of contracts.
“The Ministry of innovation, Science and Technology must play a more proactive role; agencies such as TETFund should expand their focus to support innovation-driven organisations like YIN.
“If these steps are taken, Nigeria’s future as a technology-driven economy will be secured,” Abu said.
He said the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) had been instrumental in improving Nigeria’s education sector, particularly in funding infrastructure, research, and faculty development in higher institutions.
Abu said in an era where innovation drives economic development, TETFund’s focus should transcend traditional education institutions to include innovation-driven organisations like YIN.
“Many research projects from universities do not transition into viable commercial products due to lack of industry collaboration.
“Organisations like YIN serve as an essential bridge, translating research into real-world applications.
“YIN and similar organizations provide training, mentorship, and funding for young entrepreneurs,” he said.
Abu said incorporating young innovators into TETFund’s mandate would enhance Nigeria’s Startup ecosystem.
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He said YIN plays a crucial role in equipping young Nigerians with skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), which aligns with TETFund’s mission.
“By funding organisations that promote technology transfer and commercialisation, TETFund can ensure that innovations from Nigerian universities make tangible impact on society.
“Innovation thrives in conducive environments yet many bureaucratic processes in government institutions slow down the progress in critical areas like startup support and innovation commercialisation.
“The Ministry must take a more proactive role in funding indigenous research, fostering public-private partnerships, and streamlining policies that encourage innovation-driven entrepreneurship,” Abu said.
