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18 Nigerian Lecturers Get $250,000 Grants to Develop Prototypes into Commercially Viable Products

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18 Nigerian Lecturers Get $250,000 Grants to Develop Prototypes into Commercially Viable Products

By: Michael Mike

Eighteen lecturers from Nigerian higher institutions of learning have gone through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund)’s Research for Impact Initiative (R4I) have received a grant of $250,000 from the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI) to develop four prototype projects into commercially viable products

The 18 lecturers, who were distributed into four groups were assisted at Innov8, an innovation hub in Abuja to come out with four prototypes; Development of Technology to Mitigate the Effect of Drought in Desert Areas of Northern Nigeria, Development of Automated Garri Frying Technology (Jollyfryer), Creation of Biosensor Device for Water Purification Using Solar Energy, AirVolt: An Affordable Access to Electricity with Vertical Axis Wind Turbines.

The SGCI is a multi-funded initiative aimed at strengthening the capacities of 17 Science Granting Councils (SGCs) in sub-Saharan African, with the councils contributing significantly towards strengthening national research and innovation ecosystems in their respective councils.

The Management of Tertiary Education Trust Fund, representatives of the Science Granting Council Initiative, representatives of the Association of African Universities, members of the academia, partners in research and development, esteemed guests, I welcome you all to Innov8 Hub.

Speaking at the SGCI Launch Event in Abuja on Monday, the Deputy General Manager, Innov8 Hub, Mr. Deji Ige said the landmark event of today marks the beginning of new possibilities. “It is a testament to the power of foresight, the power of commitment, and collaboration. On the mandate of TETFUND, a journey began about three years ago called the Research for Impact- R4i initiative, later, the TETFund Alliance for Innovative Research- TETFAIR. These two initiatives have tremendously instigated a paradigm shift in the Nigerian academia, where lecturers are now researching for solution, innovation, venture creation and impact, as against the previous pattern of researching just for the sake of publication and promotion.

“As the technical partner and collaborator to TETFUND on the implementation of R4i and TETFAIR, Innov8 Hub is delighted and grateful for leadership and commitment of TETFund to these collaborative initiatives that are now yielding fruits of Human Capital Development, R & D Advancement, Home-Grown Solution, Economic Growth and National Development. One of such fruits is the reason we are here today. It may interest you to know that 18 participants (Grouped into 4 Teams), in the TETFund Research for Impact- R4i programme were selected as recipients of R&D grant from the Science Granting Councils Initiative.

“These 18 members of the Nigerian academia will use the grant to advance their innovations already developed at Innov8 hub during their R4i programme. The beneficiaries, from various tertiary institutions across Nigeria were selected after critical assessment of their projects developed at R4i. This success story would not have been possible without TETFund, and the paradigm shifting collaboration with Innov8 Hub; through which Nigerian academics are now translating their ideas into innovations, solutions and prototypes, worthy of advancement to the next level of Minimum Viable Product.”

Ige added that: “By championing the current positive change in the landscape and output of R&D efforts in Nigeria, it is evident that TETFund is more than an agency of government, but a light in the tunnel of the academia, a lamp unto the path of Nigerians, and a champion of national development; while Innov8 Hub is the oil that fuels the lamp.”

On his part, the director of research and development, TETFund, Dr. Saliba Bakare said, though Nigeria joined the SGCI in 2020—five years after the program’s inception—the impact of this collaboration is poised to be transformative.

According to Bakare, the $250,000 grant will support four Nigerian research teams, each working on projects with the potential to drive significant change.

He noted that among these initiatives are advancements in the processing of garri, a staple food, and pioneering efforts in renewable energy, amongst others.

He said the funding aims to bridge the gap between research and practical application, fostering innovations that can be commercialized.

He explained that: “The essence is to help them transform their research findings into commercializable goods and services in this country.”

He further explained that a critical component of the grant is its focus on helping research teams develop their innovations into market-ready prototypes.

This, he said involves not only technical development but also pitching these products to industries, ensuring that the research translates into tangible economic benefits.

“Four teams are going to use this money to develop their research into prototypes and pitch them with industries so that there will be take-off of the product coming out from the research,” he noted.

18 Nigerian Lecturers Get $250,000 Grants to Develop Prototypes into Commercially Viable Products

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Emir Says Suicide Bombers Attack Wedding, Burial Ceremonies, OthersOver 30 people killed, 100 injured

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Emir Says Suicide Bombers Attack Wedding, Burial Ceremonies, Others
Over 30 people killed, 100 injured

By: Michael Mike

The Emir of Gwoza, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Mohammed Shehu Timta has confirmed that multiple suicide attacks were carried out at various locations, including wedding reception and a burial ceremony in Gwoza town on Saturday.

It is believed that the death toll might have risen to 30 deaths as the coordinated attacks which took place on Saturday’s afternoon caused pandemonium as people had to scamper for safety.

Reliable Sources within Gwoza told journalist that: “More than 30 innocent civilians were killed with over 100 sustaining various degree of injuries, even as many of the victims have been evacuated to Maiduguri for medical attention.”

Confirming the incident to journalists, the Emir of Gwoza, said: ” The entire Gwoza council area is in serious mourning following multiple suicide attacks on our community.

“The first suicide attack was masterminded by an unidentified woman who sneaked with two children into a wedding reception of a popular young man in Gwoza, she detonated her Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) killing herself and many people.

“Few minutes after, another suicide bomber sneaked into a burial ceremony at the nearby and detonated Improvised Explosive Devices, and as am talking to you now, the third explosion just occured few minutes ago with more casualties.

“At least, over 100 people were injured, and most of them who sustained serious injuries have been rushed to Maiduguri with military escort for proper medical attention.

“This is just a preliminary confirmation, as details of the casualties are still yet unknown, but I will keep you posted on the any development.”

Reacting to the incidents, member representing Gwoza/Chibok/Damboa federal constituency, Ahmed Usman Jaha, sympathized with the families of those who lost their loved ones in the multiple attacks, even as he prayed Allah to grant the souls of the deceased Aljannatul Firdaus, and wished those who sustained injuries quick recovery

Emir Says Suicide Bombers Attack Wedding, Burial Ceremonies, Others
Over 30 people killed, 100 injured

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Nigeria: A third explosion kills a soldier; 2 CJTF in Gwoza

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Nigeria: A third explosion kills a soldier; 2 CJTF in Gwoza

By: Our Reporter

A third explosion killed a soldier and two members of civilian JTF in Gwoza town, south of Borno State, northeast Nigeria, shortly after the first and second explosions were detonated by the terrorist group today (Saturday).

Security sources said the human bomber, a female suicide bomber, shouted ‘Allahu Akbar’ as she grabbed the soldier before detonating the vest, which ended her life, the soldier, and two members of the civilian joint task force.

NEWSng gathered that many human bombs were released by the Islamic State for West African Provinces in the wake of fresh bomb attacks across Borno State, northeast Nigeria.

“We were informed that it was not only Gwoza that the terrorists were targeting but Maiduguri and other major towns across Borno State. For now, we are trying to get those around Gwoza as the curfew imposes, which hopefully will yield a good result.” A security source told NEWSng in Maiduguri.

Residents of Gwoza town revealed that the first detonation occurred at the wedding of one of the drivers of a non-governmental organization operating in Gwoza, while the second occurred while people were condoling with the families of the first victims of the attack, and the third explosion occurred when the military imposed a curfew and was conducting a stop-and-search on residents.

Gwoza town was formally the Caliphate of the Boko Haram insurgents before it was liberated by the Nigerian military in 2016. However, the terrorists were reportedly said to be controlling the mountainous areas around the town, a situation in which it is continuously argued that the town was not totally liberated

Nigeria: A third explosion kills a soldier; 2 CJTF in Gwoza

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Prepare for Rainy Days, Invest in UK Properties, Property Consultant Advises Nigerians

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Prepare for Rainy Days, Invest in UK Properties, Property Consultant Advises Nigerians

By: Michael Mike

Nigerians have been asked to considering investing in properties in the United Kingdom as another way of preparing for the rainy days.

Director, UK-based Property Consultancy Firm, Daniel Ford International, Yemi Edun said Nigerians owning a property in the UK is a brilliant investment and a perfect pension plan that can match inflation anytime.

Edun who spoke at the sidelines of UK Property Roadshow Holding in Abuja called on Nigerians to embrace the opportunities offered by the Berkeley Groups to own properties in the UK.

Edun said: “We won’t get involved in anything that will be untoward property-wise. So this is encouraging Nigerians to come buy homes in the UK. Yes. As an option.

“As an investment option. As a second home. As a mitigation for their currency that keeps crashing, you know.

“And you ask me who buys? We have people in inheritance money, divorce settlement, up-and-coming technology people, farmers, bankers, you know.

“They buy for a certain amount. In another 10 years that property has doubled or tripled, you know.

“It’s a good pension plan so that when you retire, you have income that can match inflation. Because imagine you buy a property and you are getting a rent of two million Naira. Two million Naira is a lot of money.”

Speaking on why London should be of particular interest, Edun said: “London is special. The age long connection is one of the reasons that people get to London and they don’t suffer a cultural shock.

“Most Nigerians can get to London and you won’t even notice he’s a foreigner. So English language, schools, medical, lifestyle, football, and it’s just six hours away.”

He said the Roadshow helps to remove some of the barriers as prospective buyers have the opportunity to meet with developers like Berkeley Groups.

He added that: “We have come with what I call the buffet of properties that we’ve hand-picked, you know, specially for them, negotiated good deals that they would otherwise not be able to get themselves.”

The Berkeley Groups is one of the leading property firms in the UK and they are quoted on the London Stock Exchange.

Prepare for Rainy Days, Invest in UK Properties, Property Consultant Advises Nigerians

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