By Chika Nwachukwu, Abuja
The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has announced plans to open its 2026 National Research Fair and Exhibition to all Nigerians, including inventors, entrepreneurs and members of the private sector, as part of efforts to commercialise research outputs and create jobs across the country.
Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, disclosed this while unveiling the plans for the 2026 edition of the fair.
According to him, the agency is moving beyond the walls of universities to ensure that innovations developed in tertiary institutions and by independent Nigerians are taken to the marketplace.
“For too long, many research findings in our universities and polytechnics have remained on the shelves without reaching the public.We must bridge the gap between academia and industry so that our research can solve real problems and create wealth,” he said.
Echono said the 2026 research fair will serve as a “one-stop shop” where researchers, innovators and investors can meet, collaborate and turn ideas into products that address national challenges.
He noted that the decision to expand participation was in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises local manufacturing, job creation and the transformation of research into wealth.
“This administration is focused on moving Nigeria from consumption to production. TETFund is aligning the 2026 fair with the Renewed Hope Agenda to ensure that research contributes directly to job creation and economic growth,” he said.
The TETFund boss stated that the agency is inviting any Nigerian with a viable innovation, irrespective of background or institution, to exhibit at the 2026 fair.
“Innovation is not limited to universities. Any Nigerian with an idea that can add value should come forward. We want inventors, entrepreneurs, and the private sector to be part of this,” he said.
He explained that the expanded fair will feature conferences, panel discussions and business matchmaking sessions aimed at connecting innovators directly with investors and manufacturers who can fund and scale their work.
“We want to create a platform where research moves from the lab to the market. This is how we can position Nigeria as Africa’s innovation hub and ensure our research translates into products, services and employment opportunities,” he noted.
Echono urged the private sector to take full advantage of the platform to identify research that can be developed into marketable products, while also encouraging young inventors to participate.
The 2026 National Research Fair and Exhibition is expected to attract participants from across the country and beyond, with a focus on turning research into jobs and wealth for Nigerians.
