Towards enhancing research capabilities in Nigeria, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has officially inaugurated a seven-member Advisory Committee tasked with establishing and effectively utilizing multipurpose laboratories across the country’s six geopolitical zones.
The committee was inaugurated on Tuesday in Abuja by TETFund’s Executive Secretary, Arch. Sonny Echono.
Chairing the committee is Chris Maiyaki, the former Acting Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC).
During the inauguration, Echono emphasized the critical role the committee will play over the next month, which includes providing strategic guidance on the design, equipment specifications, deployment, and sustainable management of these laboratories to maximize their impact.
Echono highlighted the importance of adapting to rapid technological advancements, stating that the committee’s responsibilities will also involve reviewing and updating equipment lists to prevent obsolescence.
He noted, “This initiative is part of the current administration’s legacy, aimed at cultivating a robust research culture and building the necessary infrastructure for transforming Nigeria from a consumption-based economy to one that is productive and can compete on a global scale.”
The committee’s terms of reference encompass recommending cost-effective equipment for phased procurement, evaluating management frameworks, and proposing strategies for long-term sustainability.
This includes fostering collaborations with industry partners and establishing revenue generation measures. Furthermore, Echono assured that the laboratories would be equipped with alternative power sources to support continuous research activities.
In his response, Maiyaki expressed gratitude for the trust placed in the committee and committed to fulfilling its mandate within the designated timeframe.
He emphasized that these laboratories would serve as a “game-changer” in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical applications, thereby enhancing Nigeria’s research and innovation capacity.
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