By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu
The Retail Development and Investment Company (RDIC Africa) has unveiled Nigeria’s first indigenous private sector-driven research repository database to boost the visibility and utilisation of locally generated research.
Speaking at a media briefing in Lagos on Tuesday, RDIC Chief Executive Officer, Mr Ejimofor Akah, said the Iwemi National Academic Research Innovation Challenge would drive economic growth through research and innovation.
Akah said the initiative, facilitated by Wema Bank, would focus on 10 strategic sectors, including fintech, agriculture, healthcare, economic diversification and SME development.
He disclosed that the project offered a N25 million prize pool for the top 10 research submissions in 2026.
He said the platform was created to bridge the gap between academic research and industry application while improving Nigeria’s global research ranking.
“We are proud to launch Nigeria’s first indigenous, private sector-driven research repository database, designed to elevate the country’s global standing in research and innovation,” he said.
Akah explained that the online portal opened for submissions on June 1, allowing students, graduates and researchers to upload their work and gain global visibility.
“If you have a research paper that can impact the Nigerian economy, simply visit the portal and upload it. Within about 15 minutes, your work can become visible to the world,” he said.
He noted that the platform already attracted researchers and information seekers from China, India and the United Kingdom.
Akah said indexing on major search platforms would enhance the discovery and accessibility of research materials hosted on the repository.
“There is a N25 million prize pool for the top 10 winners this year, and we expect the reward package to increase in future editions,” he said.
He added that contributors would benefit from global exposure, royalty earnings, career opportunities and unrestricted access to their uploaded works.
Akah said owners of older research projects could also submit hard copies for digitisation and inclusion on the platform.
“Many valuable research works are hidden in cupboards and libraries. We want to bring them into the public space,” he said.
He urged government agencies and stakeholders to support the initiative to maximise research impact on national development and economic growth.
Speaking on originality in research, University of Lagos Librarian, Prof. Olatokunbo Okiki, said research must generate new knowledge rather than recycle existing ideas.
“Originality is the foundation of knowledge advancement, creating new insights that expand understanding, solve problems and contribute meaningfully to development,” he said.
Okiki described originality as the defining feature of quality research and a key criterion in assessing academic theses.
“Every thesis faces one critical question: what is its contribution to knowledge?
“That contribution reflects originality, introduces fresh perspectives and extends the frontiers of learning and innovation,” he said.
Drawing comparisons with other countries, Okiki said research receives greater support when aligned with national priorities and societal needs.
“In countries like South Africa, research attracts funding because it addresses national challenges.
“Nigerian researchers must prioritise original studies that generate practical solutions to insecurity and development,” he said.
He lamented that many research projects produced annually in tertiary institutions remain unused after completion.
According to him, thousands of undergraduate, master’s and doctoral projects contain valuable findings but are rarely consulted or applied.
He described the situation as a waste of intellectual resources that could support innovation, policymaking and national development.
Commending the Iwemi initiative, Okiki said greater visibility and accessibility would improve research uptake across sectors.
“IWEMI offers a platform to preserve, curate and amplify Nigerian research.
“By making scholarly work visible and accessible, it can transform neglected findings into development opportunities,” he said.
Also speaking, Prof. John Foloju, Head of the Department of European Languages and Integration Studies, UNILAG, highlighted the need to bridge the gap between research and industry.
Foloju noted that universities generate substantial research outputs annually, yet many fail to achieve measurable economic or social impact.
“The challenge is that research institutions, universities and industries often do not speak the same language.
“Strong partnerships and cooperation are needed to transform research into practical solutions,” he said.
He stressed that meaningful development requires stronger collaboration between academia and industry.
According to him, research must move beyond shelves and be translated into products, services and innovations that create jobs and strengthen the economy.
Foloju described the Iwemi digital repository as a platform capable of preserving African research outputs and making them accessible to industry and society.
In his remarks, Iwemi Project Executive Director, Mr Iheukwumere Amadi, called on institutions, corporate organisations and education-focused foundations to support the initiative.
Amadi said collaboration and funding would help rewrite the narrative around research while promoting job creation, wealth generation and broader economic development in Nigeria. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo
