Nigeria and Israel Boost Research and Innovation Ties

On Friday, Nigeria and Israel reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in research, technology, and innovation during the closing ceremony of the I-FAIR Cohort of the Israel-Nigeria Innovation Fellowship for Aspiring Inventors and Researchers (I-FAIR) in Abuja. Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, announced that funding for the fifth edition of the I-FAIR program has been secured, with the launch scheduled for October 2026.

Freeman emphasized that I-FAIR focuses on helping Nigerian innovators develop local solutions to national challenges, supported by Israeli mentorship. He noted the initiative's role in uniting government, academia, investors, engineers, and entrepreneurs to transform innovative ideas into viable businesses.

The Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, Architect Sonny Echono, reiterated TETFund’s commitment to enhancing research and innovation through partnerships with Israel, aligning with Nigeria’s priorities in various sectors. Both leaders expressed optimism for future collaborations that would unlock greater opportunities for startups and research institutions.