Corporate Support Unlocking Nigeria’s Scientific Potential – Director 

Prof. Charles Adetunji, Director of Research and Innovation at Edo State University, has stated that the growing support from corporate organisations is playing a vital role in unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s indigenous scientific community,

Adetunji made this known in an interview on Friday in Abuja, highlighting how financial, technical, and infrastructural backing from private sector players is empowering Nigerian scientists to commercialise their research findings.

“In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the need to foster innovation and technological advancement within Nigeria’s research community.

“Indigenous scientists, often at the forefront of research, are now receiving much-needed support from corporate organisations to bridge the gap between research and real-world applications,” he stated.

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Bridging the Gap Between Research and Commercialisation

Adetunji noted that while Nigeria has made significant research contributions in fields such as agriculture, healthcare, and technology, translating these findings into commercially viable products has been a persistent challenge.

“This is due to a combination of factors, including limited funding, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of proper channels for knowledge transfer,” he explained.

However, he said the trend was changing as corporate organisations increasingly step in to support indigenous scientists by facilitating the commercialisation of locally developed innovations.

Key Areas of Corporate Support

According to Adetunji, companies in sectors such as biotechnology, energy, and pharmaceuticals are forging partnerships with academic institutions and research bodies to scale up scientific discoveries for broader societal benefits.

“One key area of support is funding. Corporate organisations are providing seed funding, venture capital, and grants targeted at high-potential research projects.

“The support extends beyond financial contributions, as many corporate organisations are also offering expertise in product development, marketing, and distribution,” he said.

Public-Private Partnerships Driving Innovation

Adetunji further highlighted the increasing importance of public-private partnerships in driving research commercialisation.

He explained that government agencies were collaborating with corporate entities to create a more enabling environment for innovation, including policies that protect intellectual property and incentivise private-sector investment in research and development.

NAN