Rafiu Akinpelu Olaore delivering a policy intervention at the Federal Ministry of Education and TETFund National Commercialisation Intelligence and Ecosystem Engagement Workshop in Lagos, Nigeria.

YEDIS at the TETFund Research Commercialisation Workshop

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YEDIS Contributes to National Dialogue on Research Commercialisation at Federal Ministry of Education & TETFund Workshop

Lagos, Nigeria | 30–31 July 2026

The Youths Enterprise Development & Innovation Society (YEDIS) participated as an invited development partner at the National Commercialisation Intelligence and Ecosystem Engagement Workshop (South-West Zone), organised by the Research, Innovation and Commercialisation Committee (RICC) under the Federal Ministry of Education and administered by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).

The two-day workshop convened policymakers, universities, research institutions, industry leaders, civil society organisations, development partners, and innovation ecosystem stakeholders to advance Nigeria’s research commercialisation agenda and strengthen collaboration across sectors.

Advancing Inclusive Research Commercialisation

Representing YEDIS, Mr. Rafiu Akinpelu Olaore, DBA (h.c.), Founder and Executive Director, delivered a policy intervention highlighting the critical role of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Nigeria’s research and innovation ecosystem.

He emphasised that while universities and research institutions generate knowledge, CSOs are uniquely positioned to connect innovations with communities, facilitate adoption, build local capacity, and ensure that research outcomes create sustainable social and economic impact.

Mr. Olaore also stressed that research commercialisation should extend beyond patents and publications to practical solutions that improve livelihoods, create employment opportunities, and address national development priorities.

Key Recommendations from YEDIS

During the workshop, YEDIS advocated for:

  • Formal integration of Civil Society Organisations into Nigeria’s research commercialisation ecosystem.
  • Localisation of research and innovation to address community-specific challenges.
  • Strategic application of Artificial Intelligence and digital technologies to accelerate research translation and commercialisation.
  • Stronger collaboration among government, academia, industry, development partners, and civil society.
  • Entrepreneurship and innovation capacity-building programmes to bridge commercialisation skills gaps.
  • Increased investment in market-driven research and innovation with measurable social and economic outcomes.

Contributing to National Policy Discussions

YEDIS actively participated in the workshop’s group discussions and contributed recommendations on strengthening innovation ecosystems through inclusive partnerships, sustainable funding mechanisms, digital transformation, and improved linkages between research institutions and end users.

The workshop reaffirmed the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in transforming research outputs into products, services, enterprises, and policies that contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth and sustainable development.

Appreciation

YEDIS expresses its sincere appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Education, TETFund, and the Research, Innovation and Commercialisation Committee (RICC) for convening this important national dialogue.

We also acknowledge the leadership of Prof. T. F. Okujagu, Acting Chairman of RICC, and Engr. Umar Bindir, RICC Member, for their vision and commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s research, innovation, and commercialisation ecosystem.

Watch Our Policy Interventions

🎥 Research Commercialisation & Localisation of Innovation

🎥 Civil Society Engagement in Research Commercialisation

Rafiu Akinpelu Olaore and Prof. T. F. Okujagu at the Federal Ministry of Education and TETFund National Commercialisation Intelligence and Ecosystem Engagement Workshop, Lagos, July 2026.
Rafiu Akinpelu Olaore (right) with Prof. T. F. Okujagu, Acting Chairman of the Research, Innovation and Commercialisation Committee (RICC), at the Federal Ministry of Education and TETFund National Commercialisation Intelligence and Ecosystem Engagement Workshop, Lagos, Nigeria.

A Screenshot of the Official Invitation Letter
A Screenshot of the Official Invitation Letter

About YEDIS

The Youths Enterprise Development & Innovation Society (YEDIS) is a Nigerian non-profit organisation with United Nations ECOSOC Special Consultative Status. YEDIS works to advance entrepreneurship, innovation, digital inclusion, climate action, sustainable livelihoods, youth employment, and women’s economic empowerment through strategic partnerships, policy engagement, and community-driven development initiatives.

Partner with YEDIS

YEDIS welcomes collaboration with government institutions, academia, development partners, the private sector, and civil society organisations to advance research commercialisation, innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development in Nigeria.

For partnerships and enquiries:

Website: https://yedis.org
Email: info@yedis.org
Follow YEDIS on our social media platforms for more updates on our programmes and policy engagements.

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