My R4i experience was highly informative, providing quality content that if sustained, will revolutionise our approach as Nigerian academics and instill new value in impacting our young graduates with requisite knowledge and skills to compete practically and innovatively within and outside Nigeria.
I am most grateful to TETFund and Innov8 Hub for providing this incredible opportunity, which would be a transformative force upon return to my institution. After my R4i experience, I eagerly anticipate witnessing what the future holds for younger Nigerians, confident that with government support and technology, Nigerian youths can showcase to the world that they have the potential to achieve greatness.
Thanks to R4i, one striking perspective that instigated a paradigm shift within me was the emphasis on research with commercial intent. The organizers targeted most sessions at capacity-building on ways to conduct and supervise research that can stimulate the creation of business ventures.
My R4i experience at Innov8 Hub was transformative. The capacity-building on research commercialisation shattered my preconceived notion that research was solely about writing and publications. I learnt that research should bring financial value and contribute to making the world a better place. The classes on Emotional Intelligence helped me identify my weaknesses and provided insights on how to enhance my interpersonal relationships.
The diverse range of courses covered provided a rich tapestry of knowledge that was both enlightening and invigorating. The course on “Driving Innovation with Emotional Intelligence” delved into the often overlooked yet crucial aspect of innovation – the human element. It emphasised how understanding and managing emotions can be a powerful tool in the innovation process, enabling creators to connect more deeply with their target end-users and craft solutions that resonate on an emotional level.
My experience has been centred on the commercialisation of research, a theme that has ignited my curiosity and opened new horizons. The programme has equipped me with invaluable knowledge and skills, providing a roadmap to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world applications. One of the key takeaways has been the importance of teamwork. R4i brought together a diverse group of individuals, each with unique expertise, and fostered an environment of synergy.
