At Innov8 Hub, we don’t just talk about innovation, we build the systems that make it real, effective and impactful. The recently concluded 30th Cohort of the Research for Impact (R4i) initiative, held at Innov8 Hub Abuja, was yet another example of how research and innovation can shape Nigeria’s development agenda.
This cohort brought together lecturers, technologists, and researchers from 11 polytechnics across the country, taking them through a 10-day intensive bootcamp where ideas were refined into practical, problem-solving prototypes. From clean energy to water sanitation and inclusive health tech, what emerged were not just concepts, but real, testable solutions for real Nigerian challenges.
As the national implementing partner to TETFund, Innov8 Hub has, over the years, supported over 1,000 researchers and developed more than 250 prototypes through initiatives like R4i and TETFAIR. With every cohort, we continue to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world solutions.
A Snapshot of What Nigeria’s Polytechnics Delivered
The solutions showcased by Cohort 30 reflect the grit, talent, and urgency of Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem, The showcased innovations included but were not limited to:
- Rampo Kids – A fortified nutrient-rich cereal from Ramat Polytechnic, designed to fortify children under five with essential vitamins and minerals
- Eco-Waste Converter Machine – A Machine that transforms biomass waste into clean fuel briquettes through pyrolysis; From the lecturers at the Federal Polytechnic, Nekede.
- Soil Moisture Monitor with SMS Alerts – This is a Climate-smart agri-tech moisture and environmental monitoring device for Farmers by Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic.
- Funfit – A smart fitness device for professionals above 40 to engage in physical activities developed by The Polytechnic Ibadan.
- Power Watch – A power fluctuation alert system for infrastructure managers from Plateau State Polytechnic.
- Microchem – An advanced wastewater treatment innovation (that eliminates microbial and chemical contaminants) from Auchi Polytechnic.
Beyond the Prototypes: Reinventing the Nigerian Research Culture
These innovations are not isolated wins, they are part of a growing movement championed by Innov8 Hub and TETFund to empower Nigeria’s researchers as entrepreneurs and change-makers.
As Innov8 Hub’s Managing Director, Gregory Ibe (Jnr), noted during the event, “We’ve seen dreams turn into prototypes, and prototypes begin their journey into the marketplace. This is how we move from potential to progress.”
Voices from the Movement
The testimonies from Cohort 30 speak volumes. Engineer Nandang Kargwak Ishaku from Plateau State Polytechnic expressed it best: “The work culture at Innov8 Hub has reinforced our belief in a new Nigeria… where research fuels industry, where innovation drives sustainable development.”
The ceremony also featured endorsements from national stakeholders including TETFund’s Executive Secretary, Arc. Sonny Echono; NBTE’s Executive Secretary, Prof. Idris Bugaje; and Innov8 Director, H.E. Edward Singhatey.
So, What’s Next?
With 30 cohorts trained, 66+ prototypes developed in the last year alone, and stronger partnerships emerging every month, Innov8 Hub continues to serve as a national launchpad for innovation in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
