From Lab Benches to Factory Floors: Nigeria Pushes to Commercialise Research

Nigeria is stepping up efforts to turn scientific research into market-ready innovations, with the federal government pledging stronger links between academia, industry and policymakers.

The commitment came at the opening of the 7th Annual Scientific Conference of the Nigerian Academy of Science (NAS) in Abuja, which focused on the theme: “From Research to Market: The Making of Knowledge-Based Economies.”

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Kingsley Udeh, said the country must move beyond generating knowledge to actively commercialising discoveries through science, technology and innovation (STI).

Represented by Dr Olugbenga Fadigbe, the minister emphasised the role of public–private partnerships, technology incubation, and demand-driven research in addressing national priorities in agriculture, health, energy, infrastructure and industrial development.

“In a world defined by innovation, producing knowledge alone is not enough,” Udeh said. “Sustainable development is achieved when research is translated into market-ready solutions that create measurable economic and social value.”

The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu,     echoed the call for stronger links between research and productive enterprise.

Represented by Mr Auwal Mohammed, Sen. Bagudu said: “A knowledge-based economy thrives where ideas are nurtured, innovations are commercialised, and research findings reach policymakers, entrepreneurs and industry.”

Business leader Ibukun Awosika, founder of The Chair Centre Group, criticised the disconnect between universities and the market. “Many science departments operate in isolation from industry, leaving research papers to gather dust,” she said.

She urged scientists to identify real-world problems and partner with industries willing to develop practical solutions.

President of NAS, Professor Abubakar Sambo, said Nigeria must move research beyond laboratories to drive economic growth and employment. “Despite our rich human capital and youthful population, research is not yet fully integrated into industrial development,” he said.

“Our goal is to position Nigeria as a hub for scientific excellence and technological advancement in Africa.”he said.