The innovations focused on hunger, poverty, quality education and responsible consumption and production.
The prototypes were developed by lecturers from public
higher institutions, under the Research for Impact (R4i), an initiative of
Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) in collaboration with Innov8 Hub.
The lecturers, numbering 18 were selected to participate in
the initiative, who were then divided into four teams that developed prototypes
of their innovative solutions to challenges in the Nigerian Society.
Team one, called ‘Responsible Consumption and Production’
designed a smart grain storage using an approach that prevents pest infestation
of stored grains; keeping them safe for consumption while Team 2 called ‘No
Poverty’ designed a Float House named “Gimbaliya,” constructed using low
density material that float on water.
Team 3 ‘zero hunger’ developed an Automated Ultrasonic
Solar-Powered Sprayer and broad-spectrum bio-pesticides for control of pests in
an eco-friendly manner, anchored on SDG 2-Zero Hunger, while team 4 ‘Quality
Education,’ designed a innovation, ‘E-Access,’ a mobile application that caters
for lecturers who develop lecture materials, and students in need of lecture
materials.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the two weeks training,
the Executive Secretary of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Sonny
Echono, encouraged the 18 participants to be change agents when they go back to
their various institutions.
He urged them to make the right contribution and see that
education become impactful, set personal goals and ignore the noise around them
in order to excel in whatever they do.
He further said Nigeria must move from the mindset that God
will give them everything. “The research for impact initiative is logical
response to our desire to solve societal problems, to address the challenges we
currently face in our country in terms of generating revenue.
“Our country is going through very difficult times, we have
one of the highest population growth rate in the world and there are
projections that in few years, we will actually become the third in the world
in terms of population.
“While many see this as a blessing, some of us also know
that if we do not prepare our population and give them the tools to survive and
compete, we have a time bomb in our hands because our landmark is not going to
increase, we are going to have challenges,” he said.
Chief facilitator for R4i workshop, Dr. Obichi Obiajunwa,
celebrated the culmination of two weeks of intensive training in innovation and
prototype development, describing the effort as an endeavor that has
undoubtedly left an indelible mark on each and every one of the participants.
He said innovation is the lifeblood of progress for any
nation and the driving force that propels societies forward, enabling them to
tackle complex challenges and create a better world.
“As lecturers, you play a crucial role in shaping the minds
of future generations, and your ability to infuse innovation into your teaching
and research will have a profound impact for any on the development of our
nation.
“The knowledge and skills you have acquired in this workshop
will not only enhance your individual abilities but also enrich the academic
landscape of your respective universities.
“The prototypes that you have developed throughout this
workshop are a testament to your creativity and problem-solving prowess. Each
idea represents a spark of inspirational potential solution to a pressing
societal issue.
“These prototypes have the power to transform lives, to
drive sustainable development, and to contribute to the well-being of our
communities,” he said.
He commended TETfund for the invaluable support and guidance
in fostering innovation and research excellence in the country.
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