FULokoja Launches Committee for Next Gen Innovation Challenge 2026 as NBTI Pays Courtesy Visit

In a strategic initiative to bridge the gap between academic research and industrial application, Professor Gbenga Ibileye, Vice Chancellor of Federal University Lokoja (FUL), inaugurated a high-powered committee to lead the university’s participation in the Next Gen Innovation Challenge 2026.

The event took place on Friday, March 13, 2026, during a courtesy visit from the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI), Kogi State, led by State Coordinator Engr. Omoniyi Bodunwa.

The newly formed committee comprises distinguished scholars: Professor Olorunshola Gbenga Alege, Professor Benjamin Mopa Dauda, Professor Afolayan Obiniyi, Professor Kayode Joshua Simonyan, and Engr. Omoniyi Bodunwa.

Professor Ibileye highlighted that the partnership with NBTI aligns with FUL’s vision for science and technology disciplines. He observed that numerous Nigerian research outputs remain unused due to weak commercialization pathways. The Vice Chancellor emphasized the university’s transition toward demand-driven, project-focused research aimed at delivering immediate economic solutions rather than purely theoretical outcomes.

During the visit, Engr. Bodunwa explained that NBTI’s mandate is to facilitate research commercialization in Nigeria. He noted the historical disconnect between academia and the private sector, which has limited the potential of incubation centers, including the Lokoja center, since 1999. The Next Gen Innovation platform seeks to scale projects that are ready for market application.

Professor Ibileye directed the Provost, College of Postgraduate Studies, to collaborate closely with the committee in vetting postgraduate research proposals for global competitiveness. He urged the committee to aim for the 2026 Innovation Challenge trophy, strengthening FUL’s standing as a hub for innovative research and technology commercialization.

This collaboration marks a decisive step in positioning Federal University Lokoja at the forefront of research-to-industry initiatives, ensuring that postgraduate research translates into tangible economic and societal impact.