FG boosts research commercialisation with N3bn funding
The federal government has inaugurated a steering committee and a policy drafting committee for the National Research to Commercialisation Policy, while also announcing increased support for research commercialisation, including a N3 billion operational budget for the Research, Innovation and Commercialisation Committee (RICC) in the 2026 financial year and the harmonisation of existing research funding lines […]
Minister of Education, Dr Olatunji Alausa
The federal government has inaugurated a steering committee and a policy drafting committee for the National Research to Commercialisation Policy, while also announcing increased support for research commercialisation, including a N3 billion operational budget for the Research, Innovation and Commercialisation Committee (RICC) in the 2026 financial year and the harmonisation of existing research funding lines to promote synergy and measurable impact.
The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja, describing the initiative as a strategic move to reposition research and innovation as deliberate drivers of economic growth and industrial competitiveness.
Mr Alausa noted that while Nigeria has invested heavily in research across universities, research institutes and specialised agencies, the country has struggled to convert research outcomes into marketable products and services.
“Over the years, Nigeria has produced valuable knowledge and innovative ideas, but the pathway from research to real impact has remained weak, fragmented and largely unstructured,” he said.
According to him, the National Research to Commercialisation Policy is designed to bridge the gap between knowledge generation and value creation by establishing clear, structured and nationally applicable pathways for turning research outputs into commercial, industrial and societal value.
“This policy is not about commercialisation for its own sake; it is about developmental impact.
“It is about ensuring that research responds to real national needs, improves productivity and strengthens Nigeria’s global competitiveness,” Mr Alausa said.
Chairman of the Policy Drafting Committee, Tayo Aduloju, said the policy would help lay a strong institutional foundation for Nigeria’s industrialisation.