The Federal Government has emphasised the need for tertiary institutions and research institutes to focus on practical teachings, research, and innovations to address Nigeria’s developmental challenges.
This call was made by the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, at the TETFund National Exhibition Fair in Abuja on Monday.
Alausa explained that the Federal Ministry of Education’s core strategy is to promote technical and vocational studies to revamp the nation’s economy.
He noted that the Research Fair aligned with President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aiming to domesticate local research results to create jobs, generate wealth, and strengthen the economy.
Alausa stressed that research and innovation were crucial in determining a nation’s quality of life and status.
He urged researchers and innovators to drive economic growth through vocational studies and industrialisation.
The Chairman, Board of Trustees, TETFund, Alhaji Aminu Masari, emphasised the need to protect intellectual properties and rights of owners in Nigeria.
Masari said TETFund would provide an enabling environment to transform tertiary institutions into technology and innovation platforms, attracting investors to the country.
The Executive Secretary, TETFund, Mr Sonny Echono, reiterated the agency’s commitment to innovation and research.
He encouraged youths, researchers, and technologists to leverage the exhibition to create jobs and drive economic growth.
“TETFund has sponsored numerous research projects, including 23,221 Institution-Based Research (IBR) and 912 National Research Fund (NRF) grants, since its inception in 2011.
“The agency has noted significant improvements in the performance of Universities, Polytechnics, and Colleges of Education, especially in research and development.”
