The Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, has announced funding for the fifth edition of the Innovation Fellowship for Aspiring Inventors and Researchers (iFAIR), expressing confidence in Nigeria’s growing innovation ecosystem. Speaking at the closing ceremony and Innovation Showcase of iFAIR Cohort 4 in Abuja, he urged young entrepreneurs to keep transforming ideas into successful businesses and said the next cohort will begin in October 2026.
Nigeria, Israel Strengthen Innovation Partnership
Freeman said the fellowship reflects the strong innovation partnership between Nigeria and Israel. He confirmed that the programme will continue after the successful completion of its fourth cohort.
“Today is a celebration of what is possible when Israel and Nigeria believe in each other. I am so proud to stand here today and announce that we have secured with our partners funding for iFAIR 5, and iFAIR 5 will be launched in October 2026,” he said.
The ambassador stressed that innovation depends on resilience, creativity and the ability to recognise opportunities during difficult times. He encouraged young innovators to ask “why not?” instead of “why?” while building solutions for society.
Furthermore, Freeman said the fellowship focuses on helping Nigerians solve Nigerian challenges. He explained that Israel provides experience, mentorship and innovation support rather than exporting ready-made solutions.
“This programme has never been about bringing Israeli solutions to Nigeria. It’s been about helping brilliant Nigerian innovators develop Nigerian solutions to Nigerian challenges supported by Israeli experience, mentorship, and innovation,” he said.
Reflecting on his diplomatic mission, Freeman said Nigeria and Israel had expanded cooperation in technology, education, healthcare and water management. He also thanked the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and Innov8 Hub for sustaining the initiative.
He urged graduating participants to remain committed to innovation beyond the fellowship.
“The certificate you will receive soon is not your greatest achievement. Your greatest achievement was having the courage to take an idea and turn it into something real. Nigeria needs innovators like you. Africa needs innovators like you. The world needs innovators like you,” he said.
TETFund Expands Innovation Centres Across Nigeria
The Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, said iFAIR is helping bridge the gap between university research and industry. He explained that the programme promotes the commercialisation of research findings and inventions.
“The main problem we are solving is how to commercialize university research results and inventions, bridging the gap between academia, government, and the productive industrial sector,” Echono said.
Moreover, Echono disclosed that TETFund is establishing innovation centres in more than 60 tertiary institutions across Nigeria. He said the facilities will help students and researchers develop commercially viable products while still in school.
“As I speak, TETFund is providing facilities and establishing innovation centers across over 60 tertiary institutions so that students, while still in school, can find solutions to global and national challenges,” he added.
Innov8 Hub Highlights Nigeria’s Innovation Potential
The Head of Programmes and Ventures at Innov8 Hub, Tolulope Aina, said Nigeria has abundant innovative talent. However, he noted that the country needs stronger systems that can transform ideas into industries and sustainable economic growth.
“Every nation has ideas, but only a few succeed in transforming them into industries and lasting prosperity. The difference lies in the strength of the ecosystem that turns innovation into real-world impact,” he said.
Aina said Innov8 Hub has supported more than 3,000 researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs. In addition, he noted that over 120 professionals now work within the organisation to strengthen Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem.
Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer of Engineers Without Borders Israel, Michal Dolav Hashimshony, praised the creativity of the graduating entrepreneurs. She described Innov8 Hub as an ecosystem capable of driving meaningful change across Africa.
“You are inspiring. You make us feel optimistic because we believe technology must always be human-centered. Engineering has the power to change lives and create real impact,” she said.
Hashimshony also praised the growing role of women in Nigeria’s innovation landscape. She described the female innovators and leaders she met during her visit as “extremely talented” and a source of optimism.
The iFAIR programme is a partnership between the Embassy of Israel in Nigeria, TETFund and Innov8 Hub. It provides mentorship, technical support and investment opportunities to help researchers and entrepreneurs transform innovative ideas into sustainable businesses.
The nine-month innovation and venture development programme supports early-stage startups and entrepreneurs as they turn ideas into real products and stronger ventures. It also helps founders reach key milestones through prototype development, technical refinement, fabrication, testing and business support.
