ACCI, TETFund Move to Bridge Academia-Industry Gap, Drive Research Commercialisation
The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has called for stronger collaboration between academia, government and the organised private sector to translate research and innovation into commercially viable products, enterprises and jobs. The call was made when the organising team of the TETFund National Research Fair and Exhibition 2026, comprising leading academics, professors and representatives of government agencies, paid a working visit to the Chamber to explore areas of partnership and collaboration.
Welcoming the delegation, ACCI 1st Deputy President, Prof. Adesoji Adesugba, said the visit reflected the growing importance of connecting research institutions with industry. He commended TETFund, under the leadership of Executive Secretary, Arc. Sonny Echono, for deliberately promoting academia-industry collaboration and involving the organised private sector in its programmes while henoted that research achieves its greatest impact when knowledge is translated into products, businesses, employment opportunities and solutions to real economic challenges.
Prof. Adesugba highlighted ACCI’s existing partnership with Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja, describing it as a practical example of how academia and industry can work together to address national development needs. He disclosed that the Chamber and the university had jointly developed a Gemology and Jewellery Making Curriculum, while the university had established a Department of Geology and Gemology with 150 students currently enrolled. The partnership also covers entrepreneurship development, agricultural innovation, digital innovation and undergraduate research, with the Chamber helping to ensure that research topics respond to real industry needs.
He therefore, appealed to TETFund to support the establishment of a world-class Gemology Laboratory and Jewellery Making Centre at the university. According to him, the facility would provide practical training, certification and testing, while helping Nigeria unlock the enormous value of its gemstone and solid-mineral resources by promoting local processing and value addition rather than the export of raw materials.
Also speaking, Prof. Aminu Ishaku, Head of the Department of Geology and Gemology, Yakubu Gowon University, said the academia-industry partnership with ACCI and the Gemological Institute of Nigeria (GIN) was helping to bridge the long-standing gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.
He explained that although universities possess significant intellectual capacity, inadequate tools, equipment and facilities often limit academics and students from translating their knowledge into practical applications. According to him, the collaboration with ACCI had created an avenue to develop a practical gemology curriculum and equip students with relevant, industry-ready skills.
Prof. Ishaku noted that the development of the gemology curriculum had already attracted international recognition and expressed hope that TETFund would support the proposed laboratory and training hub. He said such a facility would enable students to gain hands-on experience in gemstone identification, processing and jewellery making, thereby strengthening the connection between education, skills development and the gemstone industry.
Chairman of the TETFund National Research Fair and Exhibition Organising Committee, Engr. Umar Bindir, said the initiative was designed to ensure that research outputs generated by Nigeria’s universities, polytechnics and research institutions move beyond academic publications to create tangible solutions to the nation’s economic and social challenges. He expressed concern that despite Nigeria’s vast human and institutional research capacity, the country continues to import products that could be produced locally, stressing the need to deploy knowledge, science, technology and innovation to strengthen domestic production, create jobs and reduce poverty.
Bindir further underscored the strategic importance of working with ACCI and NACCIMA and the organised private sector to ensure that research reaches businesses of all sizes, including small-scale producers and entrepreneurs. He emphasised that innovation should not be limited to large corporations, but should also benefit ordinary Nigerians engaged in small businesses and local production. He said the planned research fair and exhibition would provide an important platform for exposing research outputs to industry and creating pathways for their adoption and commercialisation.
ACCI 2nd Deputy President, Dr. Aliyu Idi Hong, described the Chamber as the voice of the organised private sector in the FCT and reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with government institutions, research bodies and other stakeholders to promote business development, entrepreneurship and sound economic policies. The delegation subsequently toured ACCI’s facilities, which it commended as suitable for future engagement and potential collaboration.
The visit was attended by ACCI Vice President of Women Development and Gender Matters, Engr. Lawunmi Ismail; Council members Mr. Sunday Audu and Chief Peter Ozoagu, Esq, FCArb; Deputy Director-General, Dr. Tinuke Temitope; General Counsel, Hajia Hauwa Usman, Executive Director of the Abuja Trade Centre, ; Mr Ezekwesili Nnaemeka, and other distinguished staff of the Chamber.
Olayemi John-Mensah
ACCI Media & Strategy Officer.
