The Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Chief Geoffrey Nnaji made this pledge while delivering the keynote address at the inaugural Nigerian Impact Investing Research and Industry Collaborative (NIIRIC) summit held in Abuja on Thursday.
“As the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, I am excited to be among leaders and experts whose work drives the engine of research and development (R&D) in Nigeria,” Nnaji said. “The importance of innovation in transforming societies and economies cannot be overstated. Globally, innovation catalyses industrial growth, job creation, and global competitiveness.”
He highlighted global perspectives, referencing the World Economic Forum’s emphasis on the transformative impact of research and innovation on productivity and economic growth, as well as the OECD’s assertion that investments in innovation enable nations to adapt to global economic and technological shifts, securing long-term prosperity.
Institutional Frameworks for Innovation
To strengthen Nigeria’s innovation landscape, Nnaji announced that the Ministry is working on establishing key frameworks, including the National Research Innovation Fund (NRIF), the National Research Innovation Council (NRIC) and the Industrial Innovation Fund (IIF).
He emphasised the need for a resilient innovation ecosystem integrating infrastructure development, entrepreneurship, and creativity. “By empowering innovators to take calculated risks, we can accelerate the creation of groundbreaking solutions to the challenges we face,” he said.
Focus on Human Capital Development
Nnaji also underscored the importance of human capital development, stressing that investments in education and training programmes are essential for equipping Nigerians with the skills required to lead in research and innovation.
“A talented and diverse workforce is essential to positioning Nigeria as a global hub for impactful research and commercialisation,” he added.
Ambition for Global Leadership
Speaking on Nigeria’s innovation roadmap, the minister stated, “Our goal is to position Nigeria as a global leader in research and innovation.” He explained that achieving this vision would require robust partnerships with international organisations, collaborations with leading research institutions, and a deliberate effort to showcase Nigeria’s achievements on the global stage.
“By becoming a hub for impactful research, Nigeria can attract investments, build capacity, and develop solutions that address not just local but global challenges,” he affirmed.
The Nigerian Impact Investing Research and Industry Collaborative (NIIRIC), an initiative of the Impact Investors Foundation (IIF), organised the summit under the theme \”Impact Investing: Shaping Policies, Research, and Innovation to Commercialization—The Roadmap to 2025.”
The event brought together leaders and experts from academia, think tanks, research institutions, government agencies, nonprofits, and the private sector.
Designed as a platform for strategic dialogue, innovative insights, and actionable collaboration, the summit aims to advance Nigeria’s impact investing ecosystem while driving research, innovation, and commercialisation efforts for sustainable development.
NIIRIC aspires to be the leading collaborative platform driving impactful research and industry engagement in Nigeria’s impact investing sector.
This is a nice and good program.
This is a sure way to go in order to properly place our nation Nigeria on the world map.
Sir ! nice program I’m interested
This is a very nice one
I’m ICT student and I’m interested
I’m ICT student and I am interested
I’m ICT student this is great opportunity for us
Nice, let us kick the ball rolling
This is a commendable step towards positioning Nigeria as a global leader in research and innovation. The establishment of robust frameworks like the NRIF and NRIC, coupled with a focus on human capital development, demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to driving sustainable development. Kudos to the Ministry and NIIRIC for fostering collaboration and innovation at such a transformative level!
Am interested in the programme
Am interested in the programme
An a university lecturer. I am interested to be part of this innovation.
Nice idea
Please I have registered, how can I start now.
You will be communicated after the registration period
aminaibrahimadam472@gmail.com
Iam interested and I wanted to be part of the programme
Please visit the link to register https://scienceandtech.gov.ng/academy/
I’m interested and want to partake in the program
Please visit the link to register https://scienceandtech.gov.ng/academy/
I’m interested
Wow
This is timely I am interested in this laudable initiative
muhammadsaidumuhammad72@gmail.com
Good morning Ai I’m a new person hope I’m welcome?
Please regist via
https://scienceandtech.gov.ng/academy/
and do note that the course is open to Nigerians from diverse educational and professional backgrounds, including youth, students, and civil servants.
I’m undergraduate student I’m interested
The course is open to Nigerians from diverse educational and professional backgrounds, including youth, students, and civil servants.
Please vist https://scienceandtech.gov.ng/academy/ to apply
I have interest in the program
I’m interested
Thank you. please visit https://scienceandtech.gov.ng/academy/ to register
Nice one, I am interesting
Nice one, I am interested.
Yes im intrest about this study becouse my field is relating to this program so can i enter im study BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
This is very good step for our dear country Nigeria to start thinking and planning ahead.
Am sure we HV all what it takes in terms of brain to achieve great success on this.
Am 100% interested.
Also interested
I am in the academic setting and I have registered and looking for the next step.
Thank you.
I have registered, please what’s the next step.
This is Commendable initiatives to postering the achievements of Nigerian Economy with Innovation and Creativity to enhance the economy, Our are seeking for opportunity or platforms like this to show case their Innovation and Creativity
May we get it🙏🏻😍
usmanmustaphatsg067@gmail.com
I am interested