In the arid deserts of Northern Nigeria, where water scarcity threatens livelihoods and climate change is no longer a distant warning but a daily reality, a group of passionate Nigerian innovators from the Nigerian academia is rewriting the narrative. This group includes Prof. Sanni Mohammed Yahaya, the principal investigator from the Aliko Dangote University of Science & Technology, Wudil, Kano, Dr. Hussaini Majiya, co-researcher from Babangida University, Lapi, Dr. Leonard Chimaobi Agim B, co-researcher from Federal University of Technology, Owerri, and Dr. Masud Eneji Sadiq, co-researcher from Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.
Meet i-GEL 23, a groundbreaking hydrogel solution developed to combat the devastating effects of drought. This hydrophilic, cross-linked polymer retains soil moisture, curbs erosion, and boosts nutrient availability. But more than just a scientific breakthrough, i-GEL 23 is a symbol of what’s possible when innovation is nurtured, supported, and scaled within Africa, for Africa.
An Idea Ignited, a Future Reshaped
The journey of i-GEL 23 began as an idea. But ideas alone don’t change the world; they need a space to grow, guidance to flourish, and resources to become real.
Through a collaborative research grant under the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI), i-GEL 23 was one of four projects selected to move from ideation to execution. This initiative backed by TETFund, and global partners including, International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), National Research Foundation (NRF) of South Africa, Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD), German Research Foundation (DFG), and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) seeks to empower local councils to fuel national research and innovation ecosystems across Africa.
At the heart of this progress is Innov8 Hub, the technical partner driving the implementation, providing mentorship, infrastructure, incubation, and commercialization support to turn promising ideas into impactful ventures.
“At Innov8 Hub, we believe in the power of local solutions to solve local problems. i-GEL 23 is proof that when you empower talent with the right tools and ecosystem, innovation thrives.”
Partnership in Action: Innov8 Hub & TETFund
The success of i-GEL 23 is one of the many shining outcomes of the partnership between Innov8 Hub and TETFund, a synergy built on a shared commitment to transforming Nigeria’s research and innovation landscape. Through programs like the Research for Impact (R4i) Initiative and TETFund Alliance for Innovative Research (TETFAIR), academic minds and research institutions are supported to not only generate knowledge but to create tangible solutions that improve lives.
The i-GEL 23 team’s recent feature on Channels Television is a testament to the real-world relevance and visibility of such innovations. From lab to field, and now to national media, their story is inspiring hope across communities and reinforcing Innov8 Hub’s vision of a future where communities drive innovation.
Building a Movement of Impact
i-GEL 23 is more than just a hydrogel. It’s a movement. A community-led response to climate change. A demonstration that Africa’s solutions are within her people; they just need the space to ignite. At Innov8 Hub, this is what we do. We empower individuals, researchers, and startups to imagine boldly, build fearlessly, and deliver impact sustainably.
Join Us in Shaping the Future
We are inviting prospective partners, funders, policymakers, and collaborators to be part of this innovation revolution. The future is already being built, right here, right now, by communities ready to solve their most pressing challenges.
Let’s build it together.
Contact us today and discover how you can support or collaborate with Innov8 Hub.
www.innov8hub.ng] | info@innov8hub.ng | Abuja, Nigeria
Innov8 Hub — Where Ideas Ignite & Impact Begins.
