A team of Researchers at Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai lead by Professor Musa Dickson Achimugu have produced a prototype of a mosquito repellent for pregnant women, children called PROTEKTOS during at a ten day workshop on Research for impact (R4i) at Innovate Hub Abuja.

The workshop which was organized by TETFund was aimed at creating a mind-shift for academics on how to translate ideas into research and projects, into prototypes and products for marketing.

The Vice Chancellor, Professor Abu Kasim Adamu who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration, Professor Hassan Ibrahim while declaring the one day workshop with the theme, “Innovative Problem-Based Research With Translational Impact: A Paradigm Shift”, organized by the University ‘s Center for Research and Development, applauded the Team of researchers for translating research projects into prototypes for commercialization and also for a step down of the knowledge acquired during the R4i workshop.

Professor Adamu noted that the aim of any research work is to proffer solution to the research problem and translating the work into prototypes for commercialization which will in turn add value to the researchers and the institution as a form of generating Revenue, thereby encouraging the University researchers to ensure that after conducting research, it should not only remain on publication shelves, but also to be translated into prototypes for commercial purposes.

He maintained that institutions are built on three cardinal points of Teaching, Research and Community development and IBB University is known for winning research grants with qualitative and qualified teachers for effective teaching and learning.

Speaking, the Coordinating Director of Research and Development, Professor Nuhu Obage, represent by his Deputy, Dr. Hussaini Majiya applauded the young researchers for doing the University proud.

He also appreciated the University Management for the support it always gives the Directorate, which has been encouraging research.

Professor Obaje who is also the NNPC Basinal Chair called on the State government to continue to give the needed support to and patronage to academic research.

In their separate presentations, the Project Lead, Professor Musa Dickson Achimugu, Dr. Aisha Sani Rabiu, Dr. Yakubu Azeh, Dr. Yusuf Dauda Jikantoro and Dr. Yunusa Audu, affirmed that the primary aim of the R4i is to inspire participants to embrace a new era of innovative research and development in Nigeria, Initiative aims to usher in a new era of societal development by addressing pressing challenges, the remarkable initiative, led by TETFund in collaboration with Innov8 Hub, harnesses the combined power of academic ingenuity and industry expertise, further reinforcing the Triple Helix Synergy among Government, Academia, and Industry.

The objective of the one day workshop on Innovative Problem-Based Research With Translational Impact: a Paradigm Shift, is to improve research and development capabilities of Nigerian academics, support their ideas and monitor their effort in translational research, to create a platform for Nigerian academics, researchers, innovators and inventors to become patent owners and venture and to create a mind-shift for academics on how to translate ideas into research and projects, into prototypes and products for marketing.

The researchers recommended that institution should establish research Incubation Center, cultivate the culture of innovation and commercialization among students and lecturers and also create a supportive ecosystem that recognizes and rewards innovation, celebrates risk-taking, and provides mentorship.

They also recommended that institutions should encourage interdisciplinary collaboration to tackle complex societal problems effectively, strengthen technology transfer and streamline the patenting process, provide support services to assist academics, researchers, innovators, and inventors in securing patents for their intellectual property.

In his closing remarks remarks the Deputy Director Center for Research and Development, Dr Hussaini Majiya appreciated the University Management for organizing a scale down workshop for the University researchers and students.

He charged the participants to put in use the knowledge acquired from the workshop.

Highlights of the workshop were paper presentations, projecting the mosquito repellent prototype and questions and answer session.