By Kwin Israel, The Sight News
Nigeria is set to showcase between 400 and 500 research-driven innovations with the potential to create businesses, generate jobs and boost economic growth at the 2026 Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) National Research Fair and Exhibition.
Chairman of the organising committee, Engr. Umar Bindir, disclosed this in Abuja, saying the event, scheduled for November 24 to 27, would focus on transforming research outputs from Nigerian universities, polytechnics, colleges of education and research institutions into commercially viable products and services.
He said the committee received between 4,000 and 5,000 applications, from which innovations with demonstrated practical potential were selected for exhibition.
Bindir explained that the fair would connect inventors with investors, industries, banks, business development experts and intellectual property professionals to support funding, patent registration, product standardisation and commercialisation. He disclosed that between 30 and 40 innovations from previous editions had reached advanced stages of commercialisation, while others were receiving support to improve their readiness for the market.
The event, which will be held at the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry Trade Fair Complex along the Airport Road, will also feature an international symposium beginning November 25, with participation expected from China, India, Canada and Japan, as well as the World Bank, UNESCO and the African Development Bank.
Bindir said the initiative was aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to develop and commercialise home-grown technologies, reduce dependence on imported products and position local innovations for wider markets.
