In a decisive move to reposition research and innovation as engines of national development, the Federal Government has inaugurated key committees and unveiled the National Research-to-Commercialisation Policy, a strategic framework designed to translate Nigeria’s research outputs into tangible economic, industrial and social value, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, formally inaugurated the Steering Committee and Policy Drafting Committee for the National Research-to-Commercialisation Policy in Abuja, describing the initiative as a critical national intervention to unlock the economic and developmental value of publicly funded research.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Alausa observed that while Nigeria has made substantial investments in research across universities, research institutes and specialised agencies, many outcomes remain underutilised, noting that too many research outputs remain on shelves rather than becoming solutions to national problems.
He stated that the policy provides clear, structured and nationally applicable pathways for moving research beyond publications into products, services and scalable solutions that address Nigeria’s developmental challenges.
The Minister explained that the policy will institutionalise collaboration among government, academia, industry and financing institutions; strengthen incentives for innovation and entrepreneurship; protect intellectual property; safeguard public interest; and ensure measurable returns on public investment in research. As part of the Federal Government’s commitment to the initiative,
Dr. Alausa announced financial support including a ₦2 billion provision in the 2026 budget to support the work of the Research, Innovation and Commercialisation Committee (RICC), a ₦3 billion operational budget for RICC activities in 2026, a ₦50 million Student Grant Venture Capital Initiative to support student-led enterprises in tertiary institutions, and institutional innovation grants to enable universities and research centres develop market-ready solutions.
He noted that the initiative is expected to bridge the long-standing gap between academia and industry, enhance national self-reliance, attract investment, create jobs, stimulate economic growth and improve the quality of life of Nigerians.
In her remarks, the Honourable Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, described the inauguration and policy unveiling as a major milestone in repositioning research and innovation as drivers of economic growth, industrial competitiveness and sustainable development, noting that while Nigeria possesses a vast pool of intellectual capital, deliberate, evidence-based policies are required to convert knowledge into value.
She emphasised that the initiative is focused on developmental impact, ensuring that research responds to national needs, improves productivity and strengthens Nigeria’s global competitiveness, and stressed that the work of the committees must be inclusive, practical and action-oriented, supported by clear institutional arrangements, funding mechanisms and monitoring frameworks.
Speaking on behalf of the Policy Drafting Committee, the Chair, Mr. Tayo Adeloju, expressed appreciation to the Honourable Ministers and stakeholders for the confidence reposed in the committee, stating that no nation can achieve meaningful industrialisation without a clear pathway for translating research into real-world value and affirming the team’s commitment to delivering a contextual, practical and implementable policy within the agreed timeline.
The newly inaugurated committees are mandated to develop a comprehensive policy framework, propose governance and financing mechanisms, design an implementation roadmap and submit a final National Research-to-Commercialisation Policy to the Federal Government.
The unveiling of the policy marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s quest to harness research and innovation as catalysts for sustainable development and economic transformation.
Signed
Boriowo Folasade
Director, Press and Public Relations
