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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
21 passengers rescued by troops as bandits attack multiple vehicles on Kogi highways, 2 security personnel killed
21 passengers rescued by troops as bandits attack multiple vehicles on Kogi highways, 2 security personnel killed
By: Zagazola Makama
At least twenty-one passengers were rescued unhurt following coordinated attacks by armed bandits on multiple vehicles along Kogi State highways on Thursday, while two security personnel were confirmed dead during the ensuing rescue operations.
Sources reported that about 100 armed bandits attacked a Toyota Siena with registration number YAB 968 AX traveling from Oshogbo to Kaduna, a Toyota Hiace bus (7BGT-78LG) conveying passengers from Owo, Ondo State to Abuja.
Another Toyota Hiace (GKP 178 XA) from Abuja to Ekiti State, a Toyota Carina (JMU 648 AA) from Lokoja to Kabba, a Dangote truck transporting 900 bags of cement, and a J5 bus (FTA 313 XV) carrying bags of pepper from Kano to Lagos.
The attacks occurred around 2:00 p.m., leaving passengers vulnerable to abduction.
A joint rescue operation involving the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Quick Response Units (QRU), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps vigilantes, local hunters, and other security operatives swiftly engaged the bandits in a gun duel.
The operation successfully secured the release of 21 passengers, including men, women, and infants. Rescued passengers include Moses Oladimeji, Adele Jacob, Obed Onche, Babayemi Ajayi, Funmilayo Ajayi, Samuel Olawoyin, Samuel Job, Jemima Joseph, Nanko Joseph, Enenche Paulina, Bright Enenche, Rachael Enenche, Deborah Enenche (9 days old), Bukola Clement, Toyin Clement, Glory Clement, Faith Clement, Peter Olawale, and the drivers of the Dangote truck and J5 bus.
Tragically, one soldier attached to the Oshokoshoko sector and one vigilante from Odoape lost their lives during the exchange of fire. Their identities are yet to be confirmed.
Rescue operations are ongoing to track down any remaining abducted victims and apprehend the perpetrators.
Communities along the highways remain on high alert following the attacks, highlighting the continued threat of organized banditry in Kogi State.
The operation demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated efforts between military, vigilante, and local security forces in responding to large-scale armed bandit attacks, although the loss of personnel underscores the dangers faced by security operatives during such missions.
21 passengers rescued by troops as bandits attack multiple vehicles on Kogi highways, 2 security personnel killed
Kogi communities reeling as fleeing bandits from Kwara kill four
By: Zagazola Makama
Residents of several Kogi State communities are counting their losses after fleeing armed bandits from Kwara State, displaced by ongoing military clearance operations, stormed the area on Thursday morning, leaving four men dead.
According to local sources, the attackers, travelling on motorcycles, entered Kogi through bush paths from Patigi in Kwara State and moved through Bunu and Kiri communities, firing indiscriminately.
The victims included Dare Olorunfemi, 34, of Ihale community; John (surname unknown), 33, of Taki area; Abdul Siworo, 33, of Ike area; and Oladele Samuel, 25, of Ayetoro-Kiri community.
Eyewitnesses reported that the bandits, heavily armed and in large numbers, continued towards the Kakanda/Ankumi forest in Obajana, Lokoja Local Government Area, leaving the communities in shock and fear.
intelligence sources suggesting that the attackers have taken refuge around Masalacin Boka area.
Residents described the tension as “palpable,” urging urgent intervention to dislodge the bandits before they consolidate in the forests.
The incident illustrated the ripple effect of security operations in neighbouring states, as armed groups displaced by military offensives migrate and wreak havoc on adjacent communities, threatening livelihoods and local stability.
Efforts to safeguard the affected communities and prevent further attacks are ongoing by security forces.
Kogi communities reeling as fleeing bandits from Kwara kill four
Police arrested four suspected kidnappers arrested, identified accomplices
By: Zagazola Makama
The Police have reportedly arrested four suspected kidnappers and their informants following the abduction of ten persons between Koso Likoro and Soba villages in Mashegu Local Government Area, Niger State.
Sources said the suspects were traced to a hideout around Ibbi Forest, where a joint operation led to the arrest of Sanda Dan, Mallam Wantau, and Atiku.
During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed and implicated Buba Maiyara, Mantile Alh Majo, and Bilya Musa Baushe, all from Koso village, as their accomplices.
In a subsequent operation, Manu Malami Shehu Maiyara was also arrested and admitted that his son, Buba Maiyara, together with his associates, were responsible for the abductions and cattle rustling in the area.
Sources said that the case remains under investigation.
Police arrested four suspected kidnappers arrested, identified accomplices
21 passengers rescued by troops as bandits attack multiple vehicles on Kogi highways, 2 security personnel killed
Kogi communities reeling as fleeing bandits from Kwara kill four
Transborder criminal financier arrested, apprehended in Kano with ₦15.28 million recovered
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