The federal government and the Kwara State government have signed a technological Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalize the growth and expansion of the existing Technology Incubation Centres (TIC) in Ilorin/Offa Extension.
The Director General (DG) of the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI), Dr. Kazeem Kolawole Raji, at the State Business, Innovation, and Technology (MBIT) conference room in Ilorin, described the process as a partnership to initiate a synergy that promises a common goal as a team.
He was confident that the execution of the MoU would formalize the board’s partnership and obligation in actualizing the terms and responsibilities to the people of Kwara State, TIC Ilorin/Offa Extension, and Nigerians in general.
Raji hinted that the event was a significant milestone in the journey to foster the growth of technology innovation, commercialization of research and development results, and entrepreneurship in Kwara State through TIC.
“We are not just formalizing a partnership but initiating a promise to work towards a common goal as a team.
“The execution of this MoU will formalize a partnership and obligation in actualizing our terms and responsibilities to the people of Kwara State, TIC Ilorin/Offa Extension, and Nigerians in general,” he added.
According to him, the MoU is designed to develop enterprises at the state and local government levels to reduce unemployment, create wealth, and promote self-sustainability, thereby reducing poverty within the state and the country.
“The Technology Incubation Programme (TIP) is a popular economic development tool used by both developing and developed countries to fast-track local and regional economic development. It is also a veritable mechanism for the commercialization of research and development (R&D) results.
“It is an integrated support programme provided by the government, academia, and the private sector, either individually or in partnership, with the intention of creating and nurturing technology-based start-ups by assisting budding entrepreneurs in establishing their enterprises.
“It seeks to effectively link technology, talent, capital, and know-how to leverage entrepreneurial skills, accelerate the development of new companies originating from intellectual properties, and speed up the commercialization of research and development results of technologies and indigenous knowledge, among others,” he explained.
Raji hinted that the TIP would improve value reorientation, thereby creating an enabling environment that encourages personal initiative, creativity, innovation, risk-taking, and wide-ranging entrepreneurial skills.
“It will enhance the necessary infrastructure for the commercialization of research and development, including innovative efforts focused on national development.
“The execution of this MoU represents a landmark event for both parties. This partnership will build a shared vision of growth for start-ups and technologically inclined and innovative entrepreneurial businesses.
“By combining our resources, expertise, and networks, we aim to establish Kwara State as a hub for technology innovation and entrepreneurial skills that will attract potential talent, investment, and opportunities from across the region and beyond,” he assured.
While appreciating the governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for his government’s commitmentAllocation of the former School of Agriculture as the Te to ahnology Incubation Centre, Ilorin; purchase and installation of an MD Meter for the Centre, a grant given to two entrepreneurs for their business upscale, and support for two other entrepreneurs through a soft loan via the Kwara State Social Intervention Program (KWASSIP).
Aside from these aids, the DG also commended the state for inviting the centre to trade fairs, seminars, and other functions, as well as for constructing side drainage to centralize water flow from the main road to the centre.
He, however, hinted that the NBTI has granted 42 admissions to entrepreneurs in Ilorin and another 15 in the Offa Extension.
According to him, 17 incubatees have graduated from Ilorin, and 10 have graduated from Offa. Thirty-five products are certified by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Ilorin, and 13 are certified at the Offa Extension.
He added that through this MoU, we intend to collaborate on various initiatives, including an Incubation and Acceleration Program (IAP) to provide startups and SMEs with access to mentorship and infrastructure support to help them grow their businesses.
Responding on behalf of the state government, the Commissioner, Damilola Yusuf Adelodun, promised to relay the board’s request to her boss but commended its resilience and achievements in its incubatees.
