FG Approves Multi-Billion Naira Innovation Hubs in 15 Institutions Across Nigeria
In a major push to advance technological innovation and entrepreneurship in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector, the Federal Government has approved the allocation of substantial funds to 15 beneficiary institutions under the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to establish cutting-edge innovation hubs and entrepreneurship centres.
The initiative, announced on Tuesday, is part of a broader strategy to bridge the gap between research and practical application, with the aim of enhancing job creation, technological development, and economic diversification. According to the Federal Government, the newly approved hubs will be equipped with Core Labs and Workstations that include Electronic Laboratories, 3D Printing Labs, Laser Technology Labs, Product Design Labs, as well as Robotics, Coding, and Artificial Intelligence facilities.
The innovation hubs are expected to serve as incubators for creativity and problem-solving, helping students and researchers translate ideas into commercially viable solutions. Officials say the move is designed to facilitate and accelerate the uptake of promising research outputs from the academic sector, while also fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration and a culture of entrepreneurship in tertiary institutions.
Among the institutions to benefit from the new funding are three universities—Federal University Dutse, University of Uyo, and University of Ibadan—each receiving N1 billion to establish fully equipped hubs that reflect global standards in innovation and research development.
Twelve other institutions, primarily polytechnics and colleges of education across different regions of the country, will each receive N750 million. These include Federal Polytechnic Bida, Taraba State Polytechnic in Jalingo, Adamawa State Polytechnic in Yola, Nuhu Bamali Polytechnic in Zuru, Kano State Polytechnic, Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic in Uwana, Auchi Polytechnic in Edo State, Bayelsa State Polytechnic in Aliebiri, Federal Polytechnic Ede, Rufus Giwa Polytechnic in Owo, College of Education (Technical) Kabba, and Enugu State College of Education (Technical).
According to officials from the Ministry of Education, the selection of these institutions was based on their capacity to implement and sustain innovation-driven centres, as well as their strategic importance in spreading technological advancement across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.
“This initiative will create a pipeline for translating research into real-world solutions that address Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges,” a senior TETFund official said. “It is a deliberate step towards building an innovation ecosystem that encourages collaboration between academia, industry, and government.”
The hubs will not only support technical and scientific advancement but also help young innovators and students gain hands-on experience in high-demand sectors, positioning Nigerian graduates to compete globally in fields such as automation, product design, and artificial intelligence.
With this approval, the Federal Government reaffirms its commitment to strengthening the country’s knowledge economy by investing in infrastructure that can unlock the potential of Nigeria’s vast youth population.
