TETFund and NACCIMA Sign Landmark MoU to Strengthen Research, Innovation and Industry-Academia Collaboration
Oru Leonard
TETFund and NACCIMA Sign Strategic MoU to Strengthen Research, Innovation and Industry-Academia Collaboratio
The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen collaboration between academia
and the private sector and enhance innovation, skills development, and research commercialization in Nigeria.
The signing ceremony, held at the TETFund Headquarters in Abuja, formalised a partnership designed to align research outputs with industry needs, promote innovation-driven enterprises, and strengthen national capacity-building efforts.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Architect Sonny S.T. Echono, noted that the partnership evolved from a visit by the NACCIMA National President to explore opportunities for research collaboration, commercialization, and innovation. He emphasized that the MoU provides a framework for promoting
industry-relevant research, developing innovation ecosystems, and expanding
opportunities for students and researchers through training, mentorship, and industrial exposure.
In his remarks, the National President of NACCIMA, Engr. (Dr.) Jani Ibrahim, mni, OON, described the MoU as a major step toward bridging the long-standing gap between industry and academia. He stated that Nigeria’s economic competitiveness must be anchored on knowledge, technology, skills and enterprise, noting that the partnership
will help shape the national skills pipeline, support startup development, and enhance productivity across sectors.
Both leaders highlighted the mutual benefits of the collaboration, including: Joint research and innovation projects;
Establishment of industry-driven research and incubation centres;
Enhanced internship and industrial attachment opportunities;
Promotion of technology transfer and digital economy initiatives;
Strengthened policy advocacy and knowledge sharing.
The partnership aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes skills development, innovation, and a more competitive, technology-driven economy.
TETFund and NACCIMA reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that the MoU
delivers measurable outcomes and sustainable impact on Nigeria’s education and industrial sectors.
(NACCIMA Media)
