TETFund Celebrates Successful Completion of Science Granting Council Initiative Projects
TETFund Celebrates Successful Completion of Science Granting Council Initiative Projects
The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) concluded its maiden Science Granting Council Initiative (SGCI) with a Demo Day and Closing Ceremony at Innov8 Technology Hub in Abuja today.
The event showcased the results of a year-long program designed to transform research projects into market-ready solutions.
The SGCI, a multi-funder initiative aimed at strengthening research capacity in Sub-Saharan Africa, awarded TETFund $250,000 in 2023. This funding, provided by the International Development and Research Centre (IDRC) Canada and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) UK, supported four research teams comprising 18 researchers from TETFund beneficiary institutions.
These researchers were alumni of TETFund’s Research for Impact (R4i) initiative, a program managed in collaboration with Innov8 Technology Hub.
The projects, which began in June 2024, focused on translating research into viable products. Researchers received support from Innov8, including business development training, market intelligence, and assistance with venture creation, market validation, high-level design, and prototype development.
The program emphasized indigenous innovation and entrepreneurship.
Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arc. Sonny S. T. Echono, lauded the initiative’s success, stating that it represents a “movement” where university innovations can create jobs, solve societal problems, and establish Nigeria as a hub of African ingenuity.
He highlighted the importance of the “Triple Helix Synergy” between government, academia, and industry, emphasizing their collaborative potential for sustainable development.
Read Also: NAFDAC intensifies regulatory, sensitisation activities in Yobe
The projects focused on several key areas aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, including affordable and clean energy, life on land, clean water and sanitation, industry, and innovation and infrastructure.
Echono praised the researchers for their groundbreaking work, noting that their contributions would inspire future generations.
TETFund partnered with the African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS) in Kenya to manage the implementation of the research grants.
Echono expressed gratitude to Innov8 Technology Hub for its crucial role in supporting the researchers and transforming the innovation ecosystem within Nigerian tertiary institutions.
The event concluded with a reaffirmation of TETFund’s commitment to supporting initiatives that convert research into tangible impact, fostering innovation, and driving national development in Nigeria.
