FG inaugurates committee to commercialise research outputs from tertiary institutions
By Uji A. iliyasu, Abuja
The Federal Government has inaugurated a high-level Ministerial Committee tasked with spearheading the commercialisation of research outputs from Nigeria’s tertiary institutions. Known as the Research and Innovation Commercialisation Committee (RICC), the body was formally inaugurated in Abuja on Tuesday by the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr Mauruf Olatunji Alausa.
Dr Alausa noted that the initiative aims to close the longstanding gap between academia and industry, transforming Nigeria’s vast research potential into commercially viable products and services. He emphasised that the move aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to reposition Nigeria from a resource-based to a knowledge-driven economy.
“Countries that have achieved sustainable development and global competitiveness have done so by investing in knowledge creation and, more importantly, by effectively commercialising research outputs,” the Minister said.
The RICC is chaired by Dr Tayo Aduloju, CEO of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), and includes members such as Prof. Ibrahim Katampe, Dr Umar Bindir, Prof Sydney Ibeanusi, and Dr Detoun Ogwu.
Institutions represented include the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, the Bank of Industry, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), and Nigerian universities, among others.
Dr Alausa noted that the Ministry, through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), has implemented several initiatives to bolster research efforts. These include central multipurpose laboratories, alternative energy solutions for campuses, and advanced medical simulation centres. However, he acknowledged that despite decades of research excellence, Nigeria has struggled to translate innovation into practical solutions.
“The weak link between academia and industry has hindered our capacity to benefit fully from our research efforts. This Committee will serve as a strategic bridge between the two sectors,” he explained.
The minister further noted that commercialising research will not only generate revenue for researchers and institutions but also strengthen national self-reliance, enhance Nigeria’s innovation index, and attract international investment.
To further support innovation, Dr Alausa announced the launch of a ₦50 million Student Grant Venture Capital Initiative, targeted at scaling student-led enterprises in Nigerian tertiary institutions. Anchored by TETFund in collaboration with the Bank of Industry, the scheme will support undergraduate students from 300 level upwards who have viable, market-ready business models.
“We have hundreds of thousands of young geniuses in our institutions. This fund will unlock their potential and support them in building globally competitive ventures,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, Minister of State for Education, Prof Suwaiba Said Ahmad, described the Committee’s inauguration as a defining moment in Nigeria’s educational and innovation landscape. She lamented that research in the country’s institutions has too often served as a mere academic requirement rather than a catalyst for development.
“This must change,” she asserted.
In his acceptance remarks, Dr Aduloju described the formation of the Committee as a matter of “national urgency”, highlighting that Nigeria’s research and development investment, as a percentage of GDP, remains among the lowest compared to peer nations.
“If the President’s ‘Nigeria First’ policy is to drive transformation, innovation capital must lead the charge,” he said.
He called for robust inter-ministerial collaboration and urged the involvement of sub-national governments in the innovation ecosystem. Dr Aduloju also advocated for a national innovation forum, bringing together all relevant ministries and state actors to ensure alignment and sustainability.
“The private sector has been disconnected for too long. We are committed to creating enduring institutional linkages that outlive this Committee,” he affirmed.
The establishment of the RICC marks a strategic step towards harnessing Nigeria’s intellectual capital for national development and economic diversification.