Iwemi and NBTE Partner to Innovate Polytechnic Research

The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and Iwemi, a Nigerian digital research and publishing company, are exploring a partnership aimed at transforming research from polytechnics and technical colleges into marketable innovations and employable skills. This collaboration was discussed during a visit by Iwemi’s delegation to the NBTE headquarters in Abuja.

The initiative seeks to bridge the gap between academic research and practical applications by providing digital infrastructure for preserving, publishing, and commercializing research outputs. Iwemi’s Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Ejimofor Akah, presented the Iwemi Academic Publishing and Research Platform, which is operational in five tertiary institutions, including Edo State Polytechnic, Usen, and hosts over 500,000 titles.

The platform will allow lecturers to publish digital textbooks and ensure research work is preserved and accessible. A significant aspect of the initiative is the Iwemi National Academic Research Impact Challenge (INARIC) 2026, which offers a N25 million prize pool for polytechnic students and staff, with the award ceremony scheduled for December 11, 2026.