Academics and researchers from tertiary institutions across Nigeria have unveiled prototypes developed by eleven participating teams, marking a significant milestone in research and innovation.
The presentations took place at the closing ceremony and Demo Day of the TETFund Alliance for Innovative Research (TETFAIR) in Abuja on Thursday.
Speaking at the event, TETFund Executive Secretary, Arch Sonny Echono, expressed gratitude to participants for supporting the Fund’s mandate to advance research and development in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.
“Your presence demonstrates support for the Fund’s unwavering commitment to advancing research and development in Nigeria. Over the years, various initiatives, policies, and strategies have been introduced to reduce unemployment, alleviate poverty, and improve our socio-economic well-being. Yet, many challenges persist. It has therefore become imperative to adopt a more sustainable approach rooted in science, technology, and innovation,” Echono said.
He explained that the initiative began with the launch of the Research for Impact (R4i) and Transformative Innovation Workshop (TIW) programmes in 2021, expanded to include TETFAIR in 2022, and was later complemented by the Academic Solutions Incubation Programme (ASIP), facilitation of SGCI-funded projects, and the INCUB8 programmes at Innov8 Technology Hub, Abuja, in 2024.
“These programmes offer a structured pathway for research commercialisation, ranging from six-week intensive training sessions to year long incubation cycles. They are designed to equip our researchers and academics with technical support, mentorship, resources, and an enabling environment needed to transform groundbreaking ideas into viable, real-world solutions,” he added.
Echono highlighted that the initiatives target key national priorities, including agriculture and food technology, environment, energy and circular economy, health, ICT, security, transportation and shipping, and production process improvement.
During the Demo Day, eleven teams presented their innovative prototypes:
The Polytechnic of Ibadan Funfit: a gamified fitness device that generates electricity as users exercise.
Ramat Polytechnic, Maiduguri Rampokids: a nutritious cereal for children aged 2-5 made from locally sourced ingredients.
Federal Polytechnic, Ede Powermantech
Federal Polytechnic, Ado Ekiti – Ecopave
Federal College of Education Technical, Umunze – Orufe: a cassava shredding machine
Federal College of Education, Pankshin – Agromareh: an AI-powered crop health monitoring platform
Federal College of Education, Katsina – Agromech: a motorised hand-guided two-row planter
Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto – Solarmilkpro: a solar-powered milking machine
University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Umuagwo – Agronova Dryer: a hybrid solar dryer
Modibo Adama University – Flo-Vend: an automated web-enabled menstrual materials vending machine
Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta – Tripleshield Agro: an eco-innovative pesticide solution
The programme was conducted in partnership with ASIP, the Science Granting Council Initiative (SGCI), and the INCUB8 Programmes at Innov8 Technology Hub, Abuja, reinforcing Nigeria’s drive to translate research into impactful, commercially viable solutions.