Alausa Urges Universities to Commercialize Research Innovations

On Tuesday, Minister of Education Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa urged Nigerian universities and the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) to transition from academic research to commercializing innovations. This initiative aims to support Nigeria's ambition of achieving a $1 trillion economy.

Alausa addressed Vice-Chancellors and officials from the Federal Ministry of Education, promoting partnerships through NASENI's Campus initiative, which would provide researchers access to advanced laboratories and investment opportunities. He stressed the importance of converting research outputs into commercial ventures, citing successful ecosystems like that of Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Alausa called for support in patenting inventions and developing them into viable products. He also encouraged NASENI to strengthen affiliations with universities and explore lithium processing and battery manufacturing as part of expanding Nigeria's renewable energy capacity.

Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, NASENI’s EVC/CEO, outlined efforts to bridge the gap between research and production, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directives.