The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology (FMIST), has moved to strengthen the commercialisation of research and innovation in Nigeria through a new collaboration with Babcock University.
The partnership is expected to focus on converting research outcomes, scientific discoveries and innovative ideas from Nigerian institutions into profitable businesses, industrial solutions and market-ready products capable of driving economic growth.
The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN, disclosed this during a courtesy visit by the Vice Chancellor of Babcock University, Professor Afolarin Olutunde Ojewole, to the Ministry in Abuja.
According to the Minister, Nigeria must begin to move beyond research papers and focus more on transforming academic innovations into enterprises that can create jobs, improve industries and contribute to national development.
He said stronger collaboration between universities, government institutions and the private sector would help close the long-standing gap between academic research and industrial application in the country.
Dr. Udeh explained that the engagement aligns with the Ministry’s “Energise Commercialisation Now” (ECoN) initiative, a framework introduced to support the commercialisation of research outputs and help innovators scale viable ideas into economic assets.
“The commercialisation of research findings remains central to Nigeria’s technological advancement, economic diversification and global competitiveness,” the Minister said.
He further stressed the need for an innovation-driven economy built around entrepreneurship, technology transfer, strategic partnerships and capacity building to accelerate Nigeria’s industrial and scientific development.
Speaking during the meeting, Professor Ojewole said Babcock University remains committed to producing innovators, entrepreneurs and solution providers capable of contributing to Nigeria’s industrial growth.
He added that the institution is ready to work closely with FMIST to advance impactful research commercialisation initiatives that will support national development and strengthen Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem.
