- TETFund plans to expand the 2026 National Research Fair and Exhibition
- Echono said research must be commercialised to create jobs and grow the economy
- The exhibition will bring together researchers, investors and industry stakeholders
The Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Sonny Echono, has called for the commercialisation of research outputs in Nigeria, saying the country must convert academic discoveries into marketable products and services to stimulate economic growth, create employment and strengthen local manufacturing.
Eko Hot Blog reports that Echono made the call on Friday in Abuja during the inauguration of the committee for the 2026 National Research Fair and Exhibition.
He said Nigeria possesses vast intellectual capacity that should be harnessed to address national development challenges and drive innovation across key sectors of the economy.
According to him, TETFund is transforming the National Research Fair into a leading platform where researchers, inventors, entrepreneurs, investors and industry stakeholders can collaborate to bring locally developed technologies into the marketplace.
He noted that effectively utilising Nigeria’s research potential would unlock opportunities for wealth creation, industrial growth and sustainable national development.
Echono said the decision to broaden the scope of the 2026 exhibition was inspired by the success of the inaugural edition held in November 2024, which showcased innovations from tertiary institutions and encouraged partnerships between researchers and private sector players.
He explained that several research projects presented at the maiden event had already generated commercial opportunities, contributing to job creation and business development.
To strengthen the initiative, the newly inaugurated committee now includes representatives from the organised private sector, innovation hubs, government agencies, the military, the Association of Nigerian Inventors, community innovators and other relevant stakeholders.
According to Echono, the committee will identify, document and showcase viable research outputs while connecting innovators with venture capitalists, angel investors, intellectual property specialists, technology transfer experts and entrepreneurs to accelerate commercialisation.
He added that TETFund plans to establish a comprehensive national database of research outputs from universities, polytechnics, colleges of education and research institutes across Nigeria.
The 2026 edition of the exhibition will also feature an international conference expected to attract researchers, investors and innovation experts from across Africa and beyond.
In a significant policy shift, Echono announced that participation would no longer be limited to TETFund-supported institutions.
He said any Nigerian with a viable invention, innovative product or technological solution would be eligible to participate after a competitive application process.
He also encouraged participants from the 2024 edition to return with upgraded technologies and new innovations that reflect continued research and development.
Echono expressed optimism that the exhibition would evolve into Nigeria’s premier innovation and technology showcase, providing a central platform for researchers and inventors to present solutions with commercial potential.
Chairman of the committee, Engr. Umar Bindir, welcomed the expanded membership, describing the inclusion of researchers, industry experts, policymakers and inventors as a strategic move that would strengthen the initiative.
He assured TETFund that the committee would work towards delivering a successful exhibition capable of bridging the gap between research and industry.
Earlier, TETFund’s Director of Research and Development and Centres of Excellence, Suleiman Zwingina, said the Fund had supported numerous research projects that had produced promising innovations requiring commercial investment.
He explained that the National Research Fair and Exhibition was established to connect researchers with investors, manufacturers and policymakers, ensuring that locally developed technologies are transformed into practical solutions that address Nigeria’s developmental needs.
