Academics in Nigeria have been urged to use their research to solve everyday problems and create jobs instead of focusing only on publishing papers.
The call was made by the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Dr. Sonny Echono, at the closing ceremony of the 35th Research for Impact Initiative (R4i) in Abuja.
Represented by Assistant Director of Research and Development, Dr. Hadiza Ismail, Echono said Nigeria needs researchers who can develop local solutions to local challenges.
He said the programme, organised with Innov8 Hub, is helping lecturers turn ideas into products that can improve lives and grow the economy.
“We must empower our scholars to create local solutions for our societal problems. This is why a commitment to education is a commitment to our nation’s future, ensuring that our people are not just consumers of foreign technology, but innovators who can drive sustainable growth,” he said.
Echono added that TETFund is strengthening research, innovation and partnerships between universities, industries and government to support national development.
One of the participants, Farida Adamu Mohammed of the Federal Polytechnic, Damaturu, said the training completely changed the way she now sees research.
“Indeed, R4i has completely changed my perspective on research, shifting my focus from research for publication to research that creates impact, drives commercialisation, and generates profit,” she said.
Another participant, Engr. Austine Omoraka of the Federal Polytechnic, Orogun, said the programme inspired him to use engineering research to solve practical problems in his community.
The initiative reflects TETFund’s growing effort to ensure research in Nigerian tertiary institutions produces innovations that improve lives, create businesses and contribute to national development.