By Kwin Israel, The Sight News
The Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, has announced funding for the fifth edition of the Innovation Fellowship for Aspiring Inventors and Researchers (iFAIR), reaffirming Israel’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem.
Speaking at the closing ceremony and Innovation Showcase of iFAIR Cohort 4 in Abuja, Ambassador Freeman said the next cohort would commence in October 2026.
He described the fellowship as a testament to the growing innovation partnership between Nigeria and Israel, stressing that the programme empowers Nigerians to develop homegrown solutions to local challenges with mentorship and technical support from Israel.
Amb. Freeman urged the graduating entrepreneurs to remain resilient and innovative, noting that true innovation is driven by creativity, determination and the ability to turn challenges into opportunities.
He said Nigeria, Africa and the world need more innovators capable of transforming ideas into sustainable businesses.
On his part, the Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Arc. Sonny Echono, said iFAIR is helping bridge the gap between research and industry by promoting the commercialisation of university research.
He disclosed that TETFund is establishing innovation centres in over 60 tertiary institutions nationwide to enable students and researchers to develop commercially viable products.
Also speaking, Head of Programmes and Ventures at Innov8 Hub, Tolulope Aina, said Nigeria has abundant innovative talent but requires stronger systems to transform ideas into thriving industries.
The Chief Executive Officer of Engineers Without Borders Israel, Michal Dolav Hashimshony, praised the ingenuity of the graduating entrepreneurs and the growing role of women in Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem.
The iFAIR programme, a partnership between the Embassy of Israel, TETFund and Innov8 Hub, is a nine-month innovation and venture development initiative that provides mentorship, technical support and investment opportunities for early-stage startups and researchers.
