By Peter Omopo
The Federal Government has called on Nigerian universities, research institutes, and other institutions to transform research outputs into marketable products, stressing the need to bridge the gap between innovation and industry.
Dr. Raji Kolawole, Director-General of the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI), made the call on Thursday in Abuja during a press briefing marking the launch of the 2026 edition of the NextGen Innovation Challenge.
The initiative, which seeks to position Nigeria as Africa’s innovation hub, targets high-impact sectors including artificial intelligence, advanced semiconductors, green energy, and climate resilience. It offers innovators access to funding, mentorship, and global markets.
Dr. Kolawole described the Challenge as “a national platform designed to accelerate innovation, mobilise investment, and showcase Nigeria as Africa’s undisputed innovation powerhouse.” He added that the NBTI is the Federal Government’s statutory agency for commercialising research, moving ideas from laboratories to the marketplace, and supporting startups through incubation centres across the country.
He also announced that applications for the NextGen 2026 Innovation Challenge open on February 26 and close on March 28. Innovation boot camps will commence in Abuja, with a grand finale scheduled for October in London.
“Commercialisation must become central to academic excellence,” Dr. Kolawole said. “To our young innovators and students, your ideas are national assets. The future is yours to build.”
The NBTI has secured significant investments, including £1.5 million for Interface Africa, and continues to expand international partnerships to strengthen Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem, aligning with national development priorities and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
