By Felix Khanoba
Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem received a fresh boost on Friday as the Embassy of Israel announced funding for the fifth edition of the Innovation Fellowship for Aspiring Inventors and Researchers (iFAIR), while the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) unveiled plans to establish innovation centres in more than 60 tertiary institutions across the country.
The announcement was made during the closing ceremony and Innovation Showcase of the fourth iFAIR cohort in Abuja, where stakeholders from Nigeria and Israel reaffirmed their commitment to supporting research commercialization, entrepreneurship and technology-driven solutions.
Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, described the fellowship as a testament to the growing innovation partnership between both countries and confirmed that the next cohort would commence in October 2026.
“Today is a celebration of what is possible when Israel and Nigeria believe in each other. I am so proud to stand here today and announce that we have secured with our partners funding for iFAIR 5, and iFAIR 5 will be launching in October 2026,” he said.
Freeman said innovation goes beyond technological advancement, stressing that resilience, creativity and the ability to identify opportunities are the key drivers of meaningful change.
“Innovation is not simply about technology. It’s about learning to see opportunities where others see obstacles. It’s about asking ‘why not?’ instead of ‘why?’. It’s about resilience, creativity, partnership, and determination to build something better,” he said.
The ambassador noted that the fellowship was designed to help Nigerian innovators create homegrown solutions to local challenges with support from Israeli expertise and mentorship.
“This programme has never been about bringing Israeli solutions to Nigeria. It’s been about helping brilliant Nigerian innovators develop Nigerian solutions to Nigerian challenges supported by Israeli experience, mentorship, and innovation,” he said.
Freeman also highlighted the expanding collaboration between Nigeria and Israel in technology, education, healthcare and water management, while appreciating TETFund and Innov8 Hub for sustaining the initiative.
Encouraging participants to remain focused after completing the fellowship, he said:
“The certificate you will receive soon is not your greatest achievement. Your greatest achievement was having the courage to take an idea and turn it into something real. Nigeria needs innovators like you. Africa needs innovators like you. The world needs innovators like you,” he said.
Speaking at the event, Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, said the agency was addressing one of the country’s biggest challenges by connecting academic research with industry through commercialization.
“The main problem we are solving is how to commercialize university research results and inventions, bridging the gap between academia, government, and the productive industrial sector,” Echono said.
He disclosed that innovation centres are being established in over 60 tertiary institutions to enable students and researchers transform ideas into market-ready products.
“As I speak, TETFund is providing facilities and establishing innovation centers across over 60 tertiary institutions so that students, while still in school, can find solutions to global and national challenges,” he added.
Also speaking, Head of Programmes and Ventures at Innov8 Hub, Tolulope Aina, said Nigeria possesses abundant innovative talent but requires stronger structures to convert ideas into sustainable businesses and industries.
“Every nation has ideas, but only a few succeed in transforming them into industries and lasting prosperity. The difference lies in the strength of the ecosystem that turns innovation into real-world impact,” he said.
Aina said Innov8 Hub has supported more than 3,000 researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs, with over 120 professionals currently working within the organisation to strengthen Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem.
Chief Executive Officer of Engineers Without Borders Israel, Michal Dolav Hashimshony, praised the graduating fellows for their creativity and commitment to solving societal challenges.
“You are inspiring. You make us feel optimistic because we believe technology must always be human-centered. Engineering has the power to change lives and create real impact,” she said.
She also applauded the increasing contribution of women to Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem, describing the female innovators and leaders she encountered during the visit as “extremely talented” and a source of optimism.
The AUTHORITY reports iFAIR programme is a collaborative initiative of the Embassy of Israel in Nigeria, TETFund and Innov8 Hub. The nine-month innovation and venture development programme provides mentorship, technical support, prototype development, business advisory services and investment opportunities to help researchers and early-stage entrepreneurs transform ideas into commercially viable businesses.
