Efforts to turn research ideas into practical innovation received a major push in Nigeria as the TETFund Alliance for Innovative Research and Innov8 Hub came together to unveil 15 fully functional prototypes created by academics and researchers from tertiary institutions across the country. The prototypes were presented at a one-day demo for the Academic Solutions Incubation Programme in Abuja. The event, titled TETFAIR 5,6,7 and ASIP: Demo Day, was organised by Innov8 Hub in collaboration with the TETFund Alliance for Innovative Research and served as a platform to show how research can move from concept to usable solutions.
The prototypes cut across several sectors including agriculture, health, construction technology, digital solutions, and energy. The event highlighted the work done through the Academic Solutions Incubation Programme, where researchers went through an intensive process that involved business development, business modelling, product refinement, technical mentorship, as well as prototype design and fabrication. It was a demonstration of how structured support can help academics transform their ideas into tools that can solve real challenges.
Speaking on the sidelines, Deputy General Manager of Innov8 Hub, Dr Deji Ige, explained that the main purpose of the programme is to ensure that research efforts are channelled toward innovation that delivers value. Ige said, “We are showcasing outcomes of partnership with TETFund. Innov8 Hub is the implementing partner of TETFAIR and ASIP.” He explained that the selection of lecturers for the programme came from an open call for applications from academics across Nigerian tertiary institutions who were already working on ideas that could address challenges in society.
According to him, “A lot of people applied, and the most viable and achievable ideas were selected through a free and fair process, after which successful academics and researchers were admitted into the programme.” He stressed that research must lead to transformation, adding that the prototypes on display had reached the Minimum Viable Product stage and were suitable for commercialisation if investment opportunities became available. He also noted that participation in the TETFAIR and ASIP programmes is fully funded, saying, “Once you are selected, you are catered for from the beginning to the end — all expenses paid.”
Executive Secretary of TETFund, Mr Sunny Echono, said the initiative is part of a broader effort to promote teaching and learning about innovation across institutions and to ensure that education remains relevant to today’s needs. Echono said, “Our national economy is dwindling because Nigeria and the world today have moved from producing graduates who go and fill positions either in administration or work in offices.” He explained that the rapid population growth and the rise of the knowledge economy make it necessary to reshape the education system to prepare students with relevant skills.
Echono added, “With the increasing demand for creativity and innovation, it has become essential to rethink how we prepare individuals for future opportunities and challenges.” He said the process had to begin with the lecturers, because training academic staff enables them to transfer the same skills and mindset to their students. This, he noted, was the reason behind the partnership with Innov8 Hub and the rollout of several innovation-focused programmes for Nigerian lecturers. He also revealed that more than 72 innovation hubs similar to Innov8 Hub have been established across campuses nationwide and are expanding annually.
At the event, several institutions showcased their prototypes. The Polytechnic of Ibadan presented Funfit, a fitness device designed to gamify physical exercise while generating electricity. Ramat Polytechnic, Maiduguri, showcased Rampokids, a nutritious cereal made from local crops and targeted at children between the ages of two and five. Federal Polytechnic, Ede, introduced Powermantech, while Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, displayed Ecopave, a construction-related prototype.
Other innovations included Orufe, a cassava shredder developed by the Federal College of Education (Technical) Umunze; and Agromareh, an artificial intelligence tool for monitoring crop health created by the Federal College of Education, Pankshin. The Federal College of Education, Katsina, presented Agromech, a motorised hand-guided two-row planter. Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, showcased Solarmilkpro, a solar-powered milking machine designed to support dairy farmers.
The University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Umuagwo in Imo State, introduced Agronova Dryer, a hybrid solar dryer for agricultural products. Modibo Adama University presented Flo-Vend, an automated menstrual product vending machine designed to improve access for women and girls. The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, showcased Tripleshield Agro, an eco-friendly pesticide technology aimed at supporting safer crop production.
The programme also featured practical sessions for lecturers, where they received training on business development, business modelling, product refinement, technical mentorship, prototype design, and fabrication. Innovators had the opportunity to participate in Deal Rooms, interactive sessions where they engaged directly with investors, industry leaders, and potential commercial partners to discuss opportunities for partnerships and investment.
Highlights of the event included a live pitch session, presentation of the leaderboard award, a performance titled the ordeal of an innovator, an Ecolab showcase, and the presentation of patents and copyrights to participants. The Showcase also featured Deal Rooms where innovators interacted with stakeholders to explore uptake, partnership, and investment opportunities.
