According to a statement released by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, the prototypes were developed by lecturers from public higher institutions, under the Research for Impact, initiative of TETFund in collaboration with Innov8 Hub.
“The lecturers, numbering 18 were selected to participate in the initiative, who were then divided into four teams that developed prototypes of their innovative solutions to challenges in the Nigerian Society.”
According to the statement, team one, called ‘Responsible Consumption and Production’ designed smart grain storage using an approach that prevents pest infestation of stored grains; keeping them safe for consumption while Team 2 called ‘No Poverty’ designed a Float House named “Gimbaliya,” constructed using low-density material that floats on water.
Team three focused on ‘zero hunger’ by developing an “Automated Ultrasonic Solar-Powered Sprayer and broad-spectrum bio-pesticides for control of pests in an eco-friendly manner, anchored on SDG 2-Zero Hunger.”
Also, team four focuses on “Quality Education,’ designed an innovation, ‘E-Access,’ a mobile application that caters for lecturers who develop lecture materials, and students in need of lecture materials.”
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the two-week training, the executive secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, encouraged the 18 participants to be change agents when they return to their various institutions.
He urged them to make exemplary contributions and see that education becomes impactful, set personal goals and ignore the noise around them in order to excel in whatever they do.
The TETFund boss further said Nigeria must move from the mindset that God will give them everything.
“The Research for Impact Initiative is a logical response to our desire to solve societal problems, to address the challenges we currently face in our country in terms of generating revenue.
“Our country is going through challenging times, we have one of the highest population growth rates in the world and there are projections that in a few years now we will actually become the third in the world in terms of population.
“While many see this as a blessing, some of us also know that if we do not prepare our population and give them the tools to survive and compete, we have a time bomb in our hands because our landmark is not going to increase, we are going to have challenges,” he said.
Chief facilitator for R4i workshop, Dr Obichi Obiajunwa was to celebrate the culmination of two weeks of intensive training in innovation and prototype development, an endeavour that has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on each and every one of the participants.
He said innovation is the lifeblood of progress for any nation and the driving force that propels societies forward, enabling them to tackle complex challenges and create a better world.
“As lecturers, you play a crucial role in shaping the minds of future generations, and your ability to infuse innovation into your teaching and research will have a profound impact on the development of our nation.”
