First Lady Launches ECoN Initiative in Kano, Barau, Gov Yusuf Back Innovation-Driven Economy
First Lady Launches ECoN Initiative in Kano, Barau, Gov Yusuf Back Innovation-Driven Economy
First Lady Launches ECoN Initiative in Kano, Barau, Gov Yusuf Back Innovation-Driven Economy
Nigeria’s push to transform research into economic value received a boost as the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, officially launched the Energise Commercialisation Now (ECoN) initiative in Kano.
The national programme, aimed at converting research outputs, innovations, and technologies into market-ready products and commercial ventures, was unveiled at the Coronation Hall of the Government House during a well-attended ceremony.
The event was hosted by the Executive Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, alongside the Deputy Senate President, Barau I. Jibrin, who joined other dignitaries to welcome the First Lady. Residents from across the 44 Local Government Areas of the state thronged major streets to receive her.
Speaking at the event, Barau commended the Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology, Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, for driving the initiative, noting that the concept dates back to discussions during the Eighth Senate.
He recalled that the First Lady, then a member of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND, had championed the idea of commercialising research outputs from Nigerian universities.
According to him, engagements with vice chancellors at the time revealed that institutions relied heavily on government funding despite producing valuable research and innovations.
“We realised that universities had untapped potential in their research findings and inventions. We encouraged them to patent these innovations and commercialise them to generate revenue,” he said.
Barau praised the First Lady’s role in advancing the concept, describing her as one of the most committed and productive members of the committee at the time.
He expressed optimism that the ECoN initiative would stimulate economic growth, support the emergence of startups, and enhance productivity within the real sector.
“This is what is practised globally. Institutions like Harvard and MIT consistently commercialise research and innovations. It is something Nigeria must fully embrace,” he added.
The ECoN programme is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem by bridging the gap between academia and industry, while promoting entrepreneurship and sustainable economic development.
First Lady Launches ECoN Initiative in Kano, Barau, Gov Yusuf Back Innovation-Driven Economy
