R4i Testimonials

Receiving a pristine transformative knowledge through the Research for Impact initiative has created a renewed hope and aspiration that all the efforts in teaching and practical engagements in my discipline have not disappeared into forlorn hope. This programme has depicted from the title, limited vicissitude of time done justice in transforming my mindset for an aesthetic stride in commanding the inherent commercial values inbuilt in me, towards promotion of individual and humanity’s socio-economic status.

Through the R4i initiative, I was able to reorient my faculty of thinking towards research in Nigeria, from research for strictly publications to commercialized research. The facilitators inspired, encouraged, and educated me on how to add value to my research. Consequently, adding value to research means adding value to yourself and the nation. I found myself engulfed in an ocean of opportunities, pushed to be in love with the problems and not the solutions, with an open mind, as problems may have multifaceted approaches toward their solutions.

My journey at the Research for Impact initiative has been a transformative experience, one that has not only broadened my understanding, but has also enriched my perspective on the importance of research in creating tangible impact in our society. From the onset, R4i provided a comprehensive overview of the research landscape, emphasizing the critical role that impactful research plays in addressing real-world challenges.

Participating in this immersive program not only deepened my understanding but also ignited a sense of optimism for Nigeria’s future. Despite our diverse backgrounds, participants were bound by a shared commitment to learning and growth. One of the most memorable aspects was the sense of community fostered during the workshop. While I was initially skeptical, I soon found myself transformed into an agent of change, armed with the tools and mindset to tackle Nigeria’s pressing challenges.

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.