By Lydia Legbo
The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Professor Faruk Adamu Kuta, has expressed the institution’s readiness to partner with Triple Helix Nigeria (THN) and its UK-based partner, Ox Founders on innovation and commercialization initiatives. He emphasized that FUT Minna possesses significant research potential capable of making a lasting impact.
Prof. Kuta made this known when members of the Triple Helix Nigeria and Ox Founders UK paid a visit to the University on Thursday, June 5, 2025 and were received at the Academic Publishing Centre, FUT, Minna, Main Campus.
While presenting a historical overview of the University, Prof. Kuta commended the visiting delegation and highlighted the significance of the visit, describing it as one that promises to yield meaningful outcomes for national development.
He further noted that as the second ranked specialized university in Nigeria, FUT Minna is currently establishing a Technology and Innovation Park. This facility aims to provide a daily showcase of research outputs for potential investors moving beyond the traditional once-a-year exhibition during convocation ceremonies.
Professor Kuta assured the guests that the University is fully committed to ensuring the success of the collaboration, with a focus on transforming research projects into commercially viable products.
In her remarks, Professor Eucharia O. Nwaichi, Project Leader of Triple Helix Nigeria, explained that THN is a non-profit organization committed to fostering innovation and sustainable development in Nigeria through strengthened collaboration among academia, industry, and government.
She noted that THN seeks to enhance synergy among these key sectors to build a resilient innovation ecosystem facilitating knowledge transfer, research commercialization, and policy development that supports national innovation.
Professor Nwaichi highlighted THN’s strategic initiative, the 10:10:10:10 Vision, which targets 10 Nigerian universities including FUT Minna acquiring at least 10% equity in 10 publicly listed companies within the next decade. This vision rests on four foundational pillars: entrepreneurial orientation, research and development collaboration, innovation infrastructure development, and sustainable innovation financing.
According to her, the initiative aims to transform universities into key players in the economy by encouraging them to actively engage in entrepreneurship and invest in commercial ventures. This will help bridge the gap between academic research and market application driving economic growth through innovation.
She added that THN collaborates with agencies such as the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), TETFund, and others to secure financial support for research and development projects.
Representing Ox Founders UK, the Joint Chair, Lucas JacoBeui, described the Oxford Founders Society as a student led initiative based at the University of Oxford. Its mission is to promote entrepreneurship and innovation by connecting students with successful founders and industry leaders.
JacoBeui stated that the Society seeks to bridge the divide between academic learning and real world entrepreneurial practice by equipping students with the skills, knowledge, and networks needed to succeed in the startup ecosystem.
Earlier, Professor Evans Egwim, a member of Triple Helix Nigeria based at FUT Minna, emphasized that the purpose of the visit was to facilitate discussions between THN, Ox Founders UK, and the University Management on possible areas of collaboration.
He reiterated FUT Minna’s unique position as one of the ten Nigerian universities selected for the initiative and stressed the institution’s focus on applying science and technology to address global challenges. He assured that FUT Minna continues to grow as a hub where scientific research meets societal and environmental needs.
Photo Credit Elijah Yisa
