In a bid to harness the nation’s wealth of research findings and innovations, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji has rallied stakeholders to prioritise the effective commercialisation of research outputs to tackle societal challenges.
Speaking at a one-day sensitisation workshop organised by the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) in Abuja, themed ‘Research Output Commercialisation’, Nnaji underscored the imperative of translating research results into tangible solutions for societal needs.
The workshop, convened by NOTAP, a longstanding advocate for regulating foreign technology inflow and promoting indigenous technological activities, aims to stimulate dialogue and action on driving the commercialisation of research outputs.
Addressing participants, Minister Nnaji emphasized that the effective commercialisation of research outputs is crucial for the emergence of new products and services in the market. Against the backdrop of Nigeria’s economic realities, he urged the research community to innovate solutions that catalyse a diversified economy and address pressing societal needs.
Assuring continued support for NOTAP, Nnaji highlighted the government’s commitment to facilitating the commercialisation of research results. He acknowledged the financial demands associated with fostering a robust research commercialisation culture and pledged to explore avenues for increased funding to bolster the country’s scientific endeavours.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s rich research landscape, Nnaji underscored the country’s vast knowledge institutions, including universities, polytechnics, colleges of education and research institutes. Despite the prolific output of research results, he lamented their fate of languishing on shelves, failing to translate into impactful solutions.
Drawing attention to the urgent societal needs confronting Nigeria, Nnaji stressed the imperative of diversifying the country’s mono-economic structure. He cited the success of the 2024 Technology Expo as evidence of the ministry’s commitment to driving aggressive research commercialisation efforts.
In her remarks, the ministry’s permanent secretary, Mrs. Esuabana Nko-Asanye expressed optimism that the workshop would catalyse a paradigm shift in research commercialisation. She underscored the importance of sustaining the exploitation of Nigeria’s research and development potential to drive technological and industrial growth.
Acting director-general of NOTAP, Dr. Idoreyin Imiyoho, highlighted the workshop’s role in fostering sustained discourse on effective research commercialisation. She reiterated the Nigerian government’s commitment to leveraging science, technology, and innovation as catalysts for national development and competitiveness.
President of the Association of Nigerian Inventors, Lawrence Nzenagu, emphasised the need for broader stakeholder involvement in research commercialisation efforts. He urged the government to collaborate with industries, financial sectors, and investors to support research-driven initiatives and propel Nigeria onto the global stage.
Nzenagu stressed the importance of robust investment in research commercialisation, likening it to advertising—an essential investment with the potential for substantial returns. He called for strengthened support for inventors and researchers to develop viable products and services that showcase Nigeria’s technological prowess.
As stakeholders converge to chart the course for research commercialisation, the workshop serves as a critical platform for dialogue, collaboration and action. With concerted efforts and strategic partnerships, Nigeria can unlock the transformative potential of its research outputs, driving innovation, economic growth and societal impact.
