NBTI Partners with Federal Polytechnic Oko to Establish Institution-Based Technology Incubation Centre

The National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) has forged a collaborative venture with the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State, to establish a Polytechnic-based technology incubator. This endeavor aims to cultivate innovative research and development projects and transform them into independent technology-based businesses, fostering a conducive environment for startups.

During the inauguration of the Institution-based Technology Incubation Centre at the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, and the induction of the technical committee, Mr. Akinwumi Somefun, the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NBTI, emphasized the program's focus on the commercialization of technologies and technical innovations. Recently, the Federal Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation, in conjunction with the National Board for Technology Innovation (NBTI), granted approval for the establishment of an Institution-based Incubation Centre at the Federal Polytechnic, Oko.

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Represented by Dr. Uche P. Chukwu, the NBTI South East Zonal Director, Mr. Somefun underscored NBTI's commitment to promoting and developing local products that are marketable both nationally and internationally, contributing to Nigeria's economic growth. He emphasized NBTI's role in nurturing value-added and technology-based enterprises and its readiness to translate innovative ideas into business plans. Collaborating with educational institutions, the private sector, and state governments, NBTI aims to convert these ideas into commercial products for local and international markets.

Moreover, the program will facilitate connections between students and investors from Nigeria and beyond. Polytechnic incubators, according to Mr. Somefun, play a pivotal role in establishing partnerships between academia and industry. These incubators connect students with startups, investors, and collaborators who may not otherwise be accessible, fostering entrepreneurial exploration. Mr. Somefun charged the newly inaugurated technical committee with the responsibility of ensuring that the centre fulfills its goals. The committee, chaired by Engr. Dr. Francisca Unoma Nwafulugo, the Rector of the Polytechnic, comprises dedicated members, including Mr. Uche Onyegbu, Deputy Rector Academic; Mr. Obini Onuchukwu, former Acting Registrar; Amb. Prince Nwankwo; Mr. Chijioke Ibeziako, the Public Relations Officer of the Polytechnic, among others.

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In her address, Engr. Nwafulugo, the Rector, expressed her appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation and the National Board for Technology Incubation for endorsing the institution-based centre at the Federal Polytechnic, Oko. She noted that the establishment of this centre aligns with the mission of polytechnics to promote technical and vocational education and training. Engr. Nwafulugo commended the technical committee members for their dedication and selflessness in carrying out their roles, underscoring the importance of their contributions to the project's sustainability. This partnership between NBTI and the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, is expected to usher in a new era of innovation and entrepreneurial development in the region, nurturing the growth of technology-based businesses and fostering a more robust ecosystem for startups.