Category: Research for Impact (R4i)

R4i 17: Introduction

A thrilling new chapter of the Research for Impact initiative (R4i) unfolded today, January 15th, 2024. This collaborative effort between TETFund and Innov8 Hub has been a game-changer in Nigerian academia, empowering lecturers and researchers to transform their ideas into solutions with global impact in view.

R4i 17 brings together diverse teams of 5, each composed of academic minds from universities and polytechnics across the nation. Participating institutions include:

• Ramat Polytechnic, Maiduguri (TEAM 1)
• Bayero University, Kano (TEAM 2)
• University of Nigeria, Nsukka (TEAM 3)
•  Delta State Polytechnic (TEAM 4)
• University of Lagos (TEAM 5)

Throughout their R4i journey, these teams will tackle challenges aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Guided by Innov8 Hub’s resident experts, they will translate their research concepts into tangible solutions, culminating in the development of functional prototypes.

R4i 17: A Grand Opening

The 17th cohort’s inauguration kicked off on January 15th, 2024. After a warm welcome, participants were treated to a video recap of the previous edition, offering a glimpse into the program’s objectives.

Mr. Edward Singhatey, Director at Innov8 Hub, delivered a captivating overview of the organization and the R4i initiative. He inspired participants to fully immerse themselves in the program’s activities.

Engr. Betty Ugona, the Hub’s Special Advisor on Innovation, then took the stage. Her powerful message encouraged participants to embrace the “Triple H-Model” – Harnessing Hands, Head, and Heart – emphasizing the holistic approach to innovation.

Next, participants were introduced to the team of experts they would collaborate with during their ideation and prototyping journey. The opening event concluded with participants introducing themselves, their areas of expertise and institutions.

R4i 17: Cultivating Innovation and Venture Creation

Participants at R4i 17 embark on a journey with the potential to reshape the landscape of Nigerian academia. They will explore frontier technologies, refine their skills under the guidance of seasoned experts & mentors, and benefit from world-class facilities. This fertile environment, fostered by Innov8 Hub, empowers them to transform their ideas into impactful solutions that drive societal and national progress.

Research for Impact: Introduction

Like the concluding line in a quatern of poetry, the Research for Impact (R4i) initiative wrapped up its 16th Edition today at Innov8 Hub. Born from the collaboration between TETFund and Innov8 Hub, R4i is a two-week capacity-building initiative crafted for academia members to transform research ideas into innovative solutions with potential for commercialization.

https://www.innov8hub.ng/idongesit-efaemiode-eteng/

R4i 16: The Institutions

Participants in R4i 16 were nominated from five tertiary institutions in Nigeria: Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti; Federal University of Technology, Minna; University of Calabar; Gombe State University; and Waziri Umaru Federal Polytechnic, Birnin Kebbi. These academics and researchers underwent an intensive two-week capacity-building process. They translated research into innovative solutions after identifying societal challenges aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. At the conclusion of R4i 16, guided by experts at Innov8 Hub, teams developed prototypes addressing the identified challenges. These prototypes hold the potential for commercialization, fostering opportunities for venture creation and job creation.

R4i 16: Closing Event

During the closing event for R4i 16, Dr. Salihu Girei Bakari, the Director of Research and Development at TETFund, pledged the Fund’s continuous support for initiatives like Research for Impact, driving Nigeria toward a knowledge economy.

R4i 16: The Prototypes

Prototypes developed at R4i 16 include:

• Team 1 (Clean Water and Sanitation) developed KLEEBOTTLE, designed to provide fresh, clean, and risk-free water to school-age children in both rural and urban communities.
• Team 2 (Quality Education) developed the Visually-impaired Augmented Device, ViAD, empowering visually impaired students for active participation in academic activities.
• Team 3 (Zero Hunger) developed EasyPump, a fuelless water pump dismantling barriers hindering the progress of rice farmers.
• Team 4 (Affordable and Clean Energy) innovated GASGLOW, a portable biogas generator converting organic waste into efficient biogas, offering energy and a pathway to economic development.
• Team 5 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) created STRUCTEGRITY, a Remote Digital Monitoring System elevating building integrity testing.

Conclusion

These teams, representing their respective institutions, arrived at Innov8 Hub as academics with potential. They departed with their prototypes, having immersed themselves in the transformative substance of the Research for Impact initiative.

Introduction:

Research and Development is the bedrock of some of the world’s novel innovations. Ideas from Academia have proven over time to generate solutions with potential to change the outlook of the world. From Albert Einstein, to Marie Curie and Nigeria’s own Philip Emegwali, solutions from the Ivory Tower (Academia) have shaped the outlook of the world over time.

In recent times, academia has mostly relegated ideas—novel and impactful as they may appear on paper—to publications alone. Mostly, shelves relegate these publications, leaving them with little or no hope of commercialization. Against this backdrop, TETFund in collaboration with Innov8 Hub initiated the Research for Impact (R4i) initiative. This initiative deploys members of academia to use accelerated innovation in tackling critical challenges in society. Over 13 previous cohorts, the future of Research and Development finally seems in safe hands with this initiative.

Research and Development: R4i 14 Opening Event

The 14th Cohort of R4i commenced with an opening event at Innov8 Hub on the 13th of November. This cohort features academics from a hybrid of universities and polytechnics across Nigeria. At the opening event, H.E Mr. Edward Singhatey, director at Innov8 Hub, warmly welcomed the participants. He gave an overview of Innov8 Hub and the R4i initiative to participants. Following his introduction, R4i Facilitator, Engr. Betty Ugona, made a remark. She introduced the participants to the humanity within the innovation eco system.

After the team of technical experts at Innov8 Hub introduced themselves, participants proceeded to introduce themselves, their respective institutions and areas of expertise. The first session with the participants culminated as Chief Facilitator of R4i, Dr. Obichi Obiajunwa, introduced them to R4i, challenges, and team formation.

R4i 14 in View

Over the 10 day-course of R4i 14, participants will be divided into teams. Each team will tackle challenges generated from the UN’s SDGs. After going through critical processes and procedures, they will develop prototypes of their innovations. Thanks to this initiative of TETFund and Innov8 Hub, research and development has been revitalized to positively affect society and lead to the possibility of venture creation, through the drive of innovation.

Introduction

A new wave of innovation within the Nigerian Academia is emerging. This wave, buoyed by TETFund in collaboration with Innov8 Hub, is leading a paradigm shift within the Nigerian Academia. The collaboration resulted in the initiation of the Research for Impact (R4i) initiative.

The Research for Impact initiative aims to accelerate innovation for addressing challenges generated by the United Nations’ SDGs. In 10 days, participants at R4i develop prototypes of their innovation with immense potential for commercialization. At R4i 13, the facilitators distributed participants into 5 teams to promote teamwork and collaboration.

R4i 13: A Grand Closing

The sun set on Cohort 13 of R4i on the 3rd of November 2023, following a grand closing ceremony. R4i Chief Facilitator, Dr. Obichi Obiajunwa made the opening remark and delivered an inspirational farewell speech to the participants. Following this, a cinematic representation of the R4i recap played, and then the representative of the Executive Secretary of NBTE took the stage. In his thoughts, certificates are becoming out of place, and “Sabi-ficates” are now prominent, due to technical skills now taking the center stage within academia.

R4i 13: The Prototypes

The climax of the closing event was the video pitch presentation by each R4i team.

• Team 1 (Clean Water & Sanitation) developed ‘R-Filter’, a water filtration system that refines wastewater through a triple filtration process.
• Team 2 (Good Health & Well-Being) developed ‘V-Trainer’ a virtual reality training platform where medical students and health workers can practice complex medical procedures in a controlled, immersive, and risk-free environment that mirrors real-world health settings.
• Team 3 (Good Health & Well-Being) developed ‘In-CharFertilizer’. This fertilizer reduces the level of cadmium contamination from soil and enhances crop production.
• Team 4 (Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure) developed ‘Recfilament’ an innovation designed to tackle the menace of plastic waste by collecting, shredding and extruding used PET bottles into polyactic acid pellets for 3D printing.
• Team 5 (Quality Education) developed ‘MOW’ (Modular Workshop), a toolkit specifically designed to facilitate the repairs and maintenance of mobile phones.

R4i 13: Conclusion

Having come to Innov8 Hub as academics with research ideas that are often stale, participants leave as innovators. These distinct individuals have gone through critical processes fundamental to innovation and have addressed critical challenges within society in the process. Thanks to the collaboration between TETFund and Innov8 Hub.

Introduction:

The Research for Impact (R4i) initiative is back in action with its 13th cohort. R4i, a collaboration between TETFund and Innov8 Hub, remains at the forefront of Research and Development, with a unique focus on generating ideas from the Nigerian Academia and transforming them into impactful solutions.

Within 10 days, participants in their teams, will tackle challenges arising from the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, achieving this through accelerated innovation.

R4i 13: A Hybrid Opening Event

This edition of R4i takes a hybrid approach, welcoming academics from Universities and Polytechnics across the nation. The opening event featured a warm address by His Excellency, Mr. Edward Singhatey, who introduced participants to Innov8 Hub and provided a concise overview of the R4i Initiative.

The stage was then taken by R4i Facilitator, Engr. Betty Ugona, who introduced the participants to the human essence of innovation. She notably presented the Triple H model: Head, Heart, and Hands, highlighting their critical role in emotional intelligence.

R4i 13: Meet the Participants and Experts

Throughout their stay at R4i 13, participants will collaborate with a team of technical experts from Innov8 Hub. These experts, introduced during the opening event, will provide valuable support to the teams in developing their prototypes. Additionally, participants had the opportunity to introduce themselves, their institutions, and areas of specialization. .

R4i 13: Strengthening the Triple Helix Synergy

The Research for Impact (R4i) Initiative aims to usher in a new era of societal development by addressing pressing challenges. This remarkable initiative, led by TETFund in collaboration with Innov8 Hub, harnesses the combined power of academic ingenuity and industry expertise, further reinforcing the Triple Helix Synergy among Government, Academia, and Industry.

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.