In a decisive step toward transforming Nigeria’s innovation landscape, the Federal Government has unveiled plans to establish a National Design and Development Agency—a bold initiative aimed at helping local inventors refine ideas, secure funding, and scale their solutions to the market.
The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, announced this during a strategic visit to Inov8 Hub, Abuja—an acclaimed center for homegrown innovation. The visit reinforced the government’s commitment to bridging the gap between raw creativity and commercial success.
According to Dr Alausa Nigerians are some of the most creative people in the world, but they need structured support to bring their ideas to life. The Minister then mentioned key initiatives to support the hub which include; the launch of a National Research and Development Fund Agency, offering competitive grants for scalable, high-impact innovations and strategic collaborations to connect innovators with financiers and manufacturers.
During the tour of Inov8 Hub, the Minister viewed locally fabricated technologies including cassava dryers, shredders, and modular poultry pens. He praised the Hub’s practical contributions to agricultural processing, rural development, and job creation.
He particularly highlighted the Poultry Empowerment Programme, showcasing how Inov8’s prefab poultry pens could be scaled up to empower smallholder farmers—boosting food security and sustainable livelihoods nationwide.
Dr. Alausa challenged innovation centers to pursue strategic partnerships and prioritize commercial viability over dependency on government subsidies. “Innovation must be sustainable. From subsidies, we must move to self-sufficiency,” he said.
He concluded by commending TETFund and stakeholders for investing in youth-driven innovation and reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to unlocking Nigeria’s vast human capital through education, research, and innovation.
Signed
Boriowo Folasade
Director, Press and Public Relations
