The knowledge gained, skills acquired, and relationships forged through the R4i initiative has helped me to understand that my research and development should not end up in publishing papers that get piled up in my shelves without value addition to society, venture creation, sustainability, patenting and generating income. The power to change Nigeria’s future lies within us. I will always cherish the moments spent at Innov8 Hub, the bond shared by all the participants, the facilitators and staff members for their hospitality, technical skills and expertise, love, care, time management skills and photo sessions.

As R4i 23 concluded, I emerged with a renewed sense of purpose and determination to drive positive change through innovation. In conclusion, my journey in research commercialization has equipped me with the knowledge, skills, and mindset to make a meaningful impact in the evolving landscape of entrepreneurship. By harnessing the power of interdisciplinary collaboration, strategic thinking, and effective communication, I am poised to unleash the full potential of research innovation and pave the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future.

One of the frustrations I have had to contend with as a researcher is the relevance of academic research. My colleagues will agree with me that most of our research works end up on the shelves of Libraries. My frustrations knew no bounds each time I went to the Library only to see projects, dissertations and thesis gathering dust for lack of use. Without sounding exaggerative, very few of our nation’s researches are mostly consulted by other researchers.

The Research for Impact initiative has been a transformative experience, shaping my perspective on research and innovation. The acquired knowledge has not only broadened my understanding of advanced methodologies but has also instilled a proactive and collaborative mindset. As I move forward, I am equipped with the tools to contribute meaningfully to innovative projects, inspire my students and foster a culture of continuous learning within my academic community.

As l draw down my R4i experience, l leave Innov8 Hub with a clear focus of becoming a more efficient researcher guided by the principle of solving problems after taking a more critical look at the problem statement. From now onward, my research output is for value addition and venture creation. This R4i experience provides me a second chance to revisit all the idle research on my shelves because l am now built with a new optimism of adding value to research by henceforth solving problems that only benefit communities and humanity.

As I reflect upon my R4i experience, I am reminded of a quote by Albert Einstein: “The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination.” Indeed, it is through the lens of imagination that we unlock the door to innovation, paving the way for a future defined not by limitations, but by boundless possibilities.

Words are not enough to summarise my R4i experience, as this is a lifetime opportunity to be inspired on how to be creative, innovative and positively impact the society. This journey started on a note that it was going to be like the usual workshop where you attend and enjoy the ambience of a place away from home, but I was later proven wrong. Right from the first day, it had been a wonderful exposition which stimulates me to love a problem with my heart but never be in love with a solution, as solutions to problems keep changing.

My first day at Innov8 Hub started with so much excitement until a certain teacher would constantly pick on me, I would constantly ask myself “why me again?” “what have I done this time?” little did I realize he had a lot of knowledge to give and was really particular about wanting me to consume as much as I could; which I eventually did because we, the youths, are indeed the future of innovation research.