The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved a significant allocation of funds to 15 Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) beneficiary institutions to establish innovation hubs and entrepreneurship centers.
This initiative aims to drive technological advancement, foster entrepreneurship, and enhance research capabilities in the institutions.
The University of Uyo has been allocated N1 billion to build an innovation hub, joining other prominent institutions such as the Federal University Dutse and the University of Ibadan, which also received N1 billion each.
Other beneficiaries include various polytechnics and colleges of education, with each receiving N750 million.
These institutions will utilize the funds to set up core labs and workstations equipped with cutting-edge technology, including Electronic Labs, 3D Printing Labs, Laser Technology Labs, Product Design Labs, Robotics and Coding, and Artificial Intelligence facilities.
This initiative is part of the government’s efforts to promote technological innovation and entrepreneurship in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.
By providing these institutions with state-of-the-art facilities, the government hopes to accelerate the uptake of promising research outputs and create solution-driven, multidisciplinary hubs tailored to the specific needs of each institution.
This move aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s priority on enhancing food security and strengthening the healthcare workforce, as evident in the recent allocation of N47 billion to agricultural universities and medical schools.
The innovation hubs are expected to play a crucial role in fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship among students, researchers, and faculty members.
By providing access to advanced facilities and resources, these hubs will enable individuals to develop and commercialize their ideas, ultimately contributing to the country’s economic growth and development.
