The Federal Ministry of Innovation Science and Technology has intensified efforts to transform scientific research produced in Nigerian universities, polytechnics and research institutes into practical products, startups and industries that can boost economic growth and create employment.
Government officials say the initiative comes amid growing concerns that many innovations developed in laboratories across the country rarely progress beyond academic publications or research reports. As a result, valuable discoveries often fail to generate economic value or contribute to national development.
This issue was the central focus of a strategic meeting held in Abuja, where policymakers and innovation leaders gathered to discuss ways of turning research outputs into viable businesses. The meeting was organized by the Federal Ministry of Innovation Science and Technology and brought together state commissioners for science technology and innovation, agency heads and industry stakeholders.
Speaking during the meeting, the Minister of Innovation Science and Technology Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh emphasized the need for Nigeria to move beyond producing academic research and begin converting knowledge into real products and services that can improve lives and strengthen the economy.
According to him, modern economic strength is no longer defined only by natural resources but by a country’s ability to transform knowledge into market value and innovation driven industries.
Udeh also announced that a committee has been elished to develop a National Policy on Commercialization of Research and Development Results and Inventions. The proposed policy will provide a framework for collaboration between federal and state governments in building strong innovation ecosystems.
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry Philip Ndiomu Ebiogeh stressed the importance of creating systems that support patenting, prototyping, incubation, venture funding and access to markets for innovators.
Meanwhile the Director General of the National Board for Technology Incubation Kazeem Kolawole Raji highlighted programmes designed to support young innovators including the NextGen Innovation Challenge which has already attracted thousands of entries from Nigerian youths.
Officials say the initiative aims to strengthen Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem, promote local manufacturing and create sustainable jobs across the country.
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