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18 Nigerian Lecturers Get $250,000 Grants to Develop Prototypes into Commercially Viable Products
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
News
Woman Accuses Police of Shielding Officers in Husband’s Disappearance, Seeks Justice Through Courts
Woman Accuses Police of Shielding Officers in Husband’s Disappearance, Seeks Justice Through Courts
By: Michael Mike
Allegations of institutional cover-up have again put the Nigeria Police under scrutiny following claims by Mrs. Nnenna John-Anozie that senior police authorities are deliberately protecting officers linked to the abduction and disappearance of her husband, Mr. John Chukwuemeka Anozie.
Mrs. John-Anozie, at the weekend in Abuja accused the police of ignoring valid court orders and the outcomes of formal investigations, insisting that the actions of the Nigeria Police point to an internal network operating above the law.

According to her, the continued protection of the officers involved has not only obstructed justice but has also eroded public confidence in the institution constitutionally empowered to protect lives and liberties.
She described the police response to her case as a consistent and deliberate failure rather than an administrative lapse. “This is not just negligence; it is a betrayal of public trust,” she said, adding that the law is being openly disregarded by those sworn to uphold it. She maintained that the police authorities are fully aware of the circumstances surrounding her husband’s disappearance but have chosen not to act.
Mrs. John-Anozie further stated that contrary to public perception, the judiciary has not hindered her quest for justice. She explained that the court had ruled in her favour, but enforcement of the judgment has been frustrated by the police’s refusal to comply with binding orders. She warned that such disobedience undermines the authority of the courts and weakens the rule of law.
Her legal counsel, Mr. Vincent Adodo, has since approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, filing a contempt application against the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun. The application seeks an order compelling the police to produce for prosecution officers allegedly connected to the case — identified as Sunday Okpe, Anthony Obiozor Ikechukwu, Emeana Uzochukwu, John Eze, and an officer known as Oriole (also called Tboy) — as well as to release investigation records relating to the matter.

The contempt proceedings are scheduled to be heard on February 9, a date Mrs. John-Anozie describes as crucial not only for her family but also for accountability within law enforcement. She argues that the absence of effective mechanisms to enforce compliance with court orders has prolonged her ordeal and cast doubt on the integrity of the justice system.
Mrs. John-Anozie lamented that efforts to seek justice through the National Human Rights Commission and the EndSARS Judicial Panel seems to have failed as police officers ignored several summons and orders.
She said despite the lengthy process, she is determined to pursue justice through lawful means, stressing that only strict adherence to the rule of law can guarantee accountability, protect citizens’ rights, and restore confidence in public institutions.
Woman Accuses Police of Shielding Officers in Husband’s Disappearance, Seeks Justice Through Courts
News
Legacy Support Group Defends Tinubu’s Reforms, Faults Opposition Over “Misinformation”
Legacy Support Group Defends Tinubu’s Reforms, Faults Opposition Over “Misinformation”
By: Michael Mike
A pro-government group, the Legacy Support Group for President Bola Tinubu, has pushed back against criticisms of the Federal Government’s policies, accusing opposition figures and “disgruntled political actors” of spreading misinformation to undermine the administration’s reform agenda.
Speaking at the inauguration of the group in Abuja at the weekend, its National Coordinator, Ezinna Chima Duru, said the attacks on President Tinubu were not based on constructive criticism but on “campaigns of calumny” driven by political frustration and personal interests.

Duru said while democratic governance allows for criticism, such engagements must be grounded in facts and aimed at strengthening the system, not destabilising it. He described recent narratives around fuel subsidy removal, economic hardship and insecurity as “deliberately exaggerated” to mislead the public.
Addressing the removal of fuel subsidy, the group argued that the policy was necessary to end what it described as years of large-scale corruption in the petroleum sector. According to Duru, previous administrations failed to dismantle subsidy-related cartels due to their influence, leaving the economy burdened by debt and fiscal pressure.
He said President Tinubu took a “difficult but courageous” decision to eliminate the subsidy, adding that the administration was conscious of the short-term impact on citizens and therefore introduced measures to cushion the effects. Among these, he highlighted the adoption of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for transportation as a strategy to reduce fuel costs and support cleaner energy use.
The group also claimed that increased revenue from subsidy savings has improved allocations to states and local governments, enabling them to fund infrastructure projects, pay salaries and support local councils more effectively.
On security, the Legacy Support Group said the current administration inherited complex challenges linked to cross-border terrorism and insurgency, stressing that recent strategic adjustments within the security architecture were beginning to yield positive results.
Commenting on the economy, the group credited the Tinubu administration with assembling what it described as a competent economic team, asserting that economic indicators were showing signs of recovery. It also cited reductions in food prices and improvements in power generation capacity as evidence of progress under the Renewed Hope agenda.
The group further praised government initiatives in youth empowerment and education, including student loan schemes and programmes aimed at supporting National Youth Service Corps members and young entrepreneurs.
In its resolution, the Legacy Support Group urged Nigerians across ethnic, religious and political lines to support the Tinubu administration, saying continuity beyond 2027 would help consolidate ongoing reforms.
“The achievements recorded so far show a clear commitment to national development,” Duru said. “We call on Nigerians to remain united and support policies that secure a better future for the country.”
The group reaffirmed its support for President Tinubu’s leadership and the Renewed Hope vision for Nigeria’s long-term growth.
Legacy Support Group Defends Tinubu’s Reforms, Faults Opposition Over “Misinformation”
News
West African Leaders Move to Deepen Regional Security Cooperation at Accra Conference
West African Leaders Move to Deepen Regional Security Cooperation at Accra Conference
By: Michael Mike
Leaders from several West African countries have agreed to pursue a new, structured approach to regional cooperation aimed at tackling terrorism, cross-border crime, and deepening insecurity across the sub-region.
The commitment was reached at the end of a two-day High-Level Consultative Conference on Regional Cooperation and Security held in Accra from January 29 to 30, 2026.
The meeting was chaired by Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, with Presidents Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone and Joseph Boakai of Liberia leading their respective delegations.
Representatives from Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, and Togo also participated.

Discussions at the conference focused on the worsening security situation in West Africa, which leaders described as facing an alarming rise in terrorism and violent extremism. Participants noted that the frequency of attacks and loss of civilian lives now pose a serious threat to regional stability, economic activity, and social cohesion, making coordinated action unavoidable.
The conference followed earlier technical sessions involving Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Defence, and Security, as well as intelligence chiefs from participating states. Development partners, including the African Union Commission and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), alongside civil society organisations, contributed to the deliberations.
Leaders agreed that existing responses to insecurity have been too fragmented and largely reactive. As a result, the conference resolved to work toward a permanent framework for cooperation that would strengthen collective responses, improve information sharing, and address the structural drivers of insecurity across borders.
A key outcome of the meeting was a renewed emphasis on a human security approach, recognising that military measures alone cannot deliver lasting peace.
The leaders pledged to prioritise governance reforms, job creation, access to education and healthcare, and community-based peacebuilding as part of national and regional security strategies.
On counterterrorism, the conference agreed to enhance intelligence and information sharing, harmonise legal frameworks to support cross-border prosecution of terrorism-related crimes, and expand deradicalisation programmes while upholding human rights standards. Measures to combat trafficking in arms, narcotics, and persons were also highlighted.
To strengthen border security, participants committed to exploring joint operational measures, including possible “hot-pursuit” arrangements through bilateral or multilateral agreements. They further agreed to develop a foundational Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation and security within six months, with Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs tasked with leading the drafting process.
The conference also addressed humanitarian and climate-related challenges, recognising climate change as a factor that intensifies conflict and displacement. Leaders agreed to integrate climate and food security into regional peace planning and to work toward a shared disaster preparedness and humanitarian response framework.
At the close of the meeting, participants agreed to institutionalise the consultative conference as a bi-annual platform and to establish a mechanism for tracking and monitoring the implementation of agreed decisions.
The conference ended with a renewed pledge by regional leaders to translate commitments into concrete actions that safeguard lives, protect livelihoods, and strengthen stability across West Africa.
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu led the country’s delegation to the meeting.
West African Leaders Move to Deepen Regional Security Cooperation at Accra Conference
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