NIGERIA MUST COMMERCIALISE RESEARCH TO CREATE JOBS, GROW ECONOMY — TETFUND BOSS

The Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Sonny Echono, has called for the commercialisation of research findings in Nigeria, saying it is essential for job creation, industrial development, and sustainable economic growth.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ engagement, Echono said research conducted in Nigerian universities and other tertiary institutions should be transformed into marketable products and services capable of driving innovation and supporting national development.
According to him, the country possesses enormous research potential, but many valuable discoveries remain confined to laboratories and academic publications instead of being converted into practical solutions that benefit society.
He stressed that stronger collaboration among universities, research institutions, government agencies, and the private sector is necessary to bridge the gap between research and industry.
Echono noted that commercialising research would encourage entrepreneurship, boost local manufacturing, reduce dependence on imported technologies, and create employment opportunities for young Nigerians.
He reaffirmed TETFund’s commitment to supporting research, innovation, and capacity building in tertiary institutions while promoting initiatives that enhance the economic value of academic research.
The TETFund boss urged researchers to focus on developing solutions to national challenges and ensuring their innovations contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic transformation.