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Introducing R4i 11, the latest chapter of the Research for Impact (R4i) Initiative, hosted at Innov8 Hub. Collaboratively organized by TETFund and Innov8 Hub, this initiative shines a spotlight on Nigerian Academia, empowering them to shift their research from mere publications to groundbreaking innovations aligned with global standards. In doing so, R4i fosters the Triple Helix Synergy, connecting Government, Academia, and Industry in a dynamic partnership.

R4i 11: Unlocking Innovation Potential

Throughout previous editions of R4i, more than 40 functional prototypes have emerged, each holding the promise of commercialization and the potential to address critical challenges within Nigerian society and beyond. As R4i continues to evolve, its impact on innovation and societal progress becomes increasingly evident.

R4i 11: Opening Event Highlights

The R4i 11 opening event marked a milestone in this ongoing journey towards impactful research. His Excellency, Mr. Edward Singhatey, a director at Innov8 Hub, delivered a warm and insightful welcome address, providing an in-depth introduction to Innov8 Hub and the R4i Initiative. Following this, Engr. Betty Ugona, an R4i Facilitator, delivered an inspiring welcome message, encouraging participants to embrace the limitless possibilities of the R4i spirit.

Participants were then introduced to a team of experts who will closely collaborate with them throughout their stay at Innov8 Hub. Subsequently, each participant had the opportunity to introduce themselves, their respective institutions, and their areas of expertise, fostering a sense of camaraderie among the diverse group.

R4i 11: Foresight and the Road Ahead

R4i 11 extends over a 10-day period, during which participants will embark on an educational journey encompassing comprehensive courses, processes, and procedures crucial for developing functional prototypes. These innovations will align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring that they contribute to addressing global challenges.

R4i 11: A Vision for the Future

Under the visionary leadership of Arc. Sonny Echono, TETFund and Innov8 Hub have jointly initiated this initiative. Its transformative potential extends not only to Nigerian Academia but also to broader societal development and the creation of innovative ventures. Initiatives like R4i have the power to create a ripple effect, strengthening the triple helix synergy that binds academia, government, and industry in a unified pursuit of progress.

As R4i 11 unfolds, we anticipate witnessing the birth of innovative solutions and groundbreaking collaborations that will shape the future of research, innovation, and solution in Nigeria.

The Research for Impact (R4i) Initiative, a collaborative effort between TETFund and Innov8 Hub, continues to spearhead a transformative impact within Nigerian Academia. With its primary objective being the enhancement of the innovative capabilities of lecturers and researchers in public tertiary institutions, R4i leverages accelerated innovation, research, and prototype development to address pressing societal challenges in alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

Within this initiative lies the course ‘Driving Emotional Intelligence,’ led by Engr. Betty Ugona. The significance of this course cannot be overstated, as it delves into the very essence of innovation and innovators. In teamwork, navigating the intricacies of the innovation ecosystem, and maintaining the emotional resilience necessary for achieving remarkable success, emotions are a critical factor.

Innovation: An Emotional Journey

• The upheaval caused by the COVID-19 pandemic unleashed a wave of stress, disorientation, chaos, emotional turmoil, and heightened aggression.
• Leaders across diverse domains found themselves grappling with extraordinary demands brought about by these unprecedented challenges.
• In lieu of rigid response plans, leaders now require adaptable behaviors and mindsets that prevent overreacting to mistakes and errors made by their teams.
• The emphasis for leaders should be on forward-thinking and innovation, seeking relevance and sustainability.
• In such circumstances, emotional intelligence emerges as a vital behavioral skill for leaders.
• Challenges, creative problem-solving, and the genesis of novel inventions all seek to contribute value to humanity.
• Emotions are intricately woven into these processes, shaping the journey from identifying challenges to their successful implementation.
• Interactions during the innovation process are not without friction and conflict, which are often typical when individuals collaborate closely.

The Essence of Emotional Innovation

Emotional innovation underscores the importance of mindfulness regarding emotions throughout the entire innovation process. It entails effectively engaging with stakeholders and effectively addressing challenges from initial problem identification to the eventual implementation of solutions. Creating an environment conducive to human-centered innovation stages is paramount. Organizations that strategically manage emotions cultivate a collaborative culture, thereby fostering superior innovation and value creation. Passionate alignment within teams further propels successful innovation.

Understanding Emotions

Emotion is a natural, instinctive state of mind influenced by one’s circumstances, mood, or interactions with others. Emotions can be categorized as either positive or negative.

Emotional Intelligence Defined

According to Daniel Goleman, the American psychologist who popularized the concept, emotional intelligence can be defined as “the ability to comprehend and manage one’s own emotions, as well as those of others around them.” Individuals with a high level of emotional intelligence possess an acute awareness of their emotions, grasp the significance of these emotions, and understand their impact on others. This ability empowers them to effectively manage emotions in ways that alleviate stress, enable effective communication, nurture empathy, surmount challenges, and mitigate conflicts.

Components of Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence encompasses several key components:

• Self Awareness: Being in tune with one’s own emotional state.
• Self Regulation: The ability to exercise control over one’s emotions, adapt to situations, and maintain a positive outlook.
• Motivation: The drive and determination to achieve goals.
• Empathy: The capacity to understand and share the feelings of others.
• Social Skills: The ability to navigate social interactions effectively.

Competencies of Emotional Intelligence

• Self Awareness (Emotional self-awareness)
• Self Management (Emotional Self-control, Adaptability, Achievement Orientation, Positive Outlook)
• Social Awareness (Empathy, Organizational Awareness)
• Relationship Management (Influence, Coach and Mentor, Team Work, Conflict Management, and Inspirational Leadership)

Innovation and Emotional Intelligence: Conclusion

In hindsight, the R4i Initiative, with its profound emphasis on emotional intelligence, is charting a new course for innovation in the Nigerian academic landscape. By recognizing the pivotal role of emotions in the innovation process and equipping educators and researchers with the tools of emotional intelligence, R4i is contributing to a brighter, more innovative future for all.

R4i 10: The closing event for the 10th cohort of the Research for Impact Initiative unfolded in spectacular fashion at Innov8 Hub. This initiative of TETFund and Innov8 Hub is poised to revolutionize the Nigerian academia. By equipping academics and researchers with the tools, resources, and expertise needed to transform research into real-world solutions, R4i seamlessly aligns with global best practices.

R4i 10 was a hybrid edition, bringing together academics and researchers from government-owned universities and polytechnics across Nigeria.

R4i 10 Closing Event: A Prelude to Excellence

A day before the culmination of R4i 10, participants gathered to share their transformative experiences. Prof. Ocheme Ocheme Boniface from F.U.T, Minna, expressed his satisfaction, saying, “Having participated in R4i, I have no regrets whatsoever. The founders, staff, and instructors here know what they are doing.” Dr. Onyegbuchulem Besta Okey from Imo State Polytechnic, praised the unparalleled connections fostered within the program. In his words, “This program has changed my approach to my work.” Dr. Adebimpe Omolayo Esan from Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, shared her newfound insight, remarking, “R4i has been incredibly insightful. Before this, I knew little about innovation and educational technology, but now I understand the concept of innovation.”

R4i 10: A Grand Closing

The closing event for R4i 10 took place on September 8th, 2023. Dr. Obichi Obiajunwa, the Chief Facilitator of the R4i Initiative, set the stage with his opening remarks. A captivating recap video of R4i played on the screen, leaving all attendees in awe. The representative of the Executive Secretary of the NBTE then took the stage, expressing delight in the participants’ remarkable achievements.. He went further to pledge support from NBTE for enhancing technical education in tertiary institutions nationwide.

The highlight of the event was the eagerly awaited video pitches from all five teams at R4i 10:

1. TEAM Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: They introduced “BuildMinder,” an innovative system harnessing building data to create an AI predictive model for early detection of structural issues, ensuring timely maintenance and comprehensive quality analysis.
2. TEAM Zero Hunger: Their innovation, “Exclusafe,” is an innovative breast milk storage bag that maintains breast milk at a specified temperature, guaranteeing safety and nutritional integrity.
3. TEAM Quality Education: Their innovation, “Student’s Virtual Support Services,” promises to revolutionize virtual support services, elevating them to unprecedented levels of quality and accessibility.
4. TEAM Good Health & Well-Being: They unveiled “Smartbetes,” a meal-planner app for diabetic patients employing advanced machine learning algorithms to suggest recipes based on location, dietary preferences, and available ingredients.
5. TEAM Affordable and Clean Energy: Their creation, “Pinfrarac,” not only detects suspicious activity around power infrastructures but also triggers alarms to alert nearby individuals to potential acts of vandalism.

R4i 10: Conclusion

The closing event concluded with a closing remark delivered by His Excellency, Mr. Edward Singhatey, on behalf of Innov8 Hub. He urged participants to continue innovating and creating value that benefits the academic ecosystem and the nation as a whole.

R4i remains at the forefront of transforming research and development within academia. It spearheads a paradigm shift from researching for ideas to researching for impact. Join us in this transformative journey.

Unveiling R4i 10: Transforming Academic Ideas into Innovations for National Impact

The stage is set once again as the 10th edition of the Research for Impact Initiative (R4i) takes flight. This initiative, a collaboration between TETFund and Innov8 Hub, has returned with renewed vigor. The goal? to catalyze innovation and solutions within the Nigerian academia. With commitment to global best practices, R4i serves as a beacon for cultivating research and translating them into real-world applications.

Embarking on a 10-day transformative journey, the 10th cohort of R4i participants represents an assembly of academic minds from various public Universities and Polytechnics across Nigeria’s diverse 6 geo-political zones. At the heart of R4i 10 lies an ambitious goal: to harness the collective brilliance of these individuals and channel it into solutions that will demystify some of Nigeria’s most pressing societal challenges.

Unveiling R4i 10: Opening Event

H.E Mr. Edward Singhatey delivered an opening remark, offering insight into Innov8 Hub and the Research for Impact Initiative. Following this, Engr. Betty Ugona, an R4i Facilitator, delivered a resonant reminder to the participants. She urged them to immerse not just their heads, but also their hands and hearts into the forthcoming activities. Introductions to the experts from Innov8 Hub, who would be pivotal to the participants’ journey, added a layer of anticipation. The participants themselves took center stage, introducing their academic affiliations, personal backgrounds, and areas of expertise.

The official launch of R4i 10 followed suit, led by Chief Facilitator Dr. Obichi Obiajunwa. He transitioned the participants from introductions to action by outlining the challenges ahead and forming cohesive teams—a pivotal step that would shape the course of the program.

Unveiling R4i 10: An Overview

The Research for Impact Initiative stands tall as a pioneering force in Nigeria’s innovation landscape, setting it apart from other initiatives. Its hallmark lies in the rapid acceleration of innovative concepts, transforming scholarly notions into tangible innovations that hold the promise of commercialization. Moreover, R4i masterfully orchestrates the Triple Helix Synergy—forging strong connections between the Government, Academia, and Industry. This collaboration lays the groundwork for national development, academic excellence, and government foresight, poised to usher in transformative growth.

Gratitude for these groundbreaking strides goes to TETFund, guided by the visionary leadership of Executive Secretary, Arc. Sonny Echono. Under his guidance, R4i has evolved into a beacon of innovation, lighting the path towards a future where academia’s brightest ideas become society’s tangible solutions.

As R4i 10 unfolds, the excitement and potential for impactful transformation are palpable. The convergence of intellectual prowess, visionary leadership, and collaborative synergy promises not only to shape the trajectory of the participants’ careers but to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s progress on a national scale. Stay tuned as we delve deeper into the stories of innovation, collaboration, and impact.

R4i 8.0 Recap: The Research for Impact Initiative (R4i) is revolutionizing research, development, and innovation in Nigeria through the collaboration between TETFund and Innov8 Hub. This initiative has empowered members of the Nigerian Academia from various tertiary institutions across the country to develop innovative prototypes.

At R4i 8.0, 18 participants were nominated from Polytechnics across Nigeria’s geo-political zones. They underwent rigorous processes and procedures at Innov8 Hub, which were essential in converting research into tangible innovations.

At R4i 8.0, the facilitators divided participants into 4 teams, with each team dedicated to addressing crucial societal challenges. These teams included:

No Poverty

Good Health and Well-Being

Quality Education

Affordable and Clean Energy

R4i 8.0 Recap: The Closing Event

The closing event of R4i 8.0 witnessed the presence of members from the Government, Academia, and Industry. Among them were the Executive Secretaries of TETFund and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Architect Sonny S.T Echono and Prof. Idris Muhammad Bugaje, respectively.

Architect Sonny S.T Echono, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, expressed his delight at the progress made through the R4i Initiative. He emphasized the need for a change in mindset, urging the adoption of time-tested techniques and sustainable strategies for economic growth, anchored on production.

Similarly, Prof. Idris Muhammad Bugaje, the Executive Secretary of NBTE, praised the collaborative spirit of the R4i Initiative. He emphasized the significance of teamwork and highlighted that major innovations in modern science and technology have always been the result of collective efforts.

The climax of the event was the premiere of pitch videos showcasing the prototypes developed by each team:

TEAM No Poverty presented Digifact, a digital data-collecting platform designed for teachers. This innovation has the potential to empower educators, increasing their earnings, and reducing poverty among low-income teachers.

Team Good Health and Well-Being created Skinchek, a skin moisture detector created to identify moisture-associated skin disorders, promoting better health and well-being.

The Quality Education Team unveiled LECTUREAID. This innovation is an education platform for displaying teaching materials and conducting practical activities, enhancing the overall quality of education.

TEAM Affordable and Clean Energy presented GreenRadiant. This innovation represents a solar IOT-based micro-grid system designed for smart energy control and consumption management.

The collaboration between TETFund and Innov8 Hub has reintroduced research and development through innovation to Nigeria. This collaboration, focused on the academia, has also strengthened the Triple Helix Synergy, bringing together the Government, Academia, and Industry for a brighter and more innovative future.

Impact, Research, & Nigerian Academia: Strengthening the Triple Helix Synergy

The Research for Impact (R4i) Initiative commenced today at Innov8 Hub, Abuja. It marks the continuation of an exciting collaboration between the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and Innov8 Hub. This ground-breaking initiative aims to foster research, development, and innovation within the Nigerian Academia.

Specifically designed for academics in Polytechnics across the country, R4i 8.0 edition will span over 11 days. Participants will immerse themselves in critical processes, procedures, and courses essential for transforming research into innovation. In addition, R4i strives to reinforce the Triple Helix Synergy among the Government, Academia, and Industry.

The Opening Event

At the opening event, His Excellency, Mr. Edward Singhatey, provided an overview of the R4i initiative. He acquainting the participants with its objectives and importance. Following this, R4i facilitator Engr. Betty Ugona, delivered a presentation on emotional intelligence and its relevance to the innovation process.

To facilitate networking and knowledge exchange, participants were introduced to experts at Innov8 Hub. They also had the opportunity to introduce themselves, their respective institutions, and areas of discipline.

Dr. Obichi Obiajunwa, the Chief Facilitator of R4i, delivered an in-depth presentation on the scope of the R4i Initiative. He provided insights into the challenges that lie ahead. Additionally, participants were introduced to team formation, promoting a collaborative environment conducive to innovation. As a fitting conclusion to the opening event, the participants were given a comprehensive tour of Innov8 Hub and its state-of-the-art facilities, enhancing their understanding of the resources available to them throughout R4i 8.0.

Impact & Research in the Nigerian Academia: The Ripple Effect

The Research for Impact Initiative continues to pave the way for transforming novel ideas from academia into functional prototypes. With the support and sponsorship of the government through TETFund, industry experts provide valuable guidance and assistance in bringing these ideas to life. By fostering collaboration and innovation, R4i empowers Nigerian academics to make a lasting impact on society and drive meaningful change through their research endeavors.