The Federal University, Dutse, Jigawa State has secured a special intervention of N1 billion from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), for the establishment of an innovation hub and park in the institution.

This is contained in a statement by the university’s Director of Public Affairs, Abdullahi Yahaya-Bello, in Dutse on Friday.

Mr Yahaya-Bello quoted the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abdulkarim Sabo, as saying that the institution was one of the few selected universities that would benefit from the significant initiative by TETFund.

Mr Sabo noted that the project aimed to make students of the institution self-reliant and equip them to become potential employers in their respective fields.

He added that the innovation hub would promote a culture of innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship among students, thereby enhancing economic growth and human capital development in Nigeria and beyond.

According to him, the hub will comprise a product design laboratory, where ideas evolve into tangible solutions, blending creativity with technical expertise, as well as a three dimensions (3D) printing laboratory, a haven for innovators, designers and engineers who seek to transform concepts into three-dimensional reality.

The vice chancellor also said that the laboratory would be equipped with cutting-edge 3D printing technology and an array of digital sculpting tools.

He added, “The hub will also have a software laboratory, a space for coding, experimentation and technological advancement, which will be equipped with the state-of-the-art hardware and software resources. The software laboratory will provide an environment where software engineers can dive deep into coding, testing and refining digital products and services.’’

The VC further listed leathercraft workshop which will provide opportunity to explore the rich world of leatherwork and bring artistic vision to life and bio-technology laboratory as part of the hub.

He stated, “We will also have electronics laboratory, textile and fashion design workshop, upcycling and recycling workshop, where waste items will find a second chance as they are repurposed into functional and valuable items, as well as eco laboratory.

“The eco laboratory will focus on tackling environmental challenges through upcycling, recycling, sustainable architecture, advanced materials and circular economy principles, and will serve as a hands-on space for research, collaboration and innovation, transforming ideas into impactful ecological solutions. Also among the innovations are refrigeration and air-conditioning (RAC) laboratory, which is going to be a dynamic workstation where the mechanisms behind are dissected for better understanding and improvement with aid of stimulators and demonstrators. With modern equipment and stimulation tools, this laboratory will empower innovators to develop RAC systems and devices.’’

The vice chancellor further explained that on completion of the project, the university would become an environment that would bring together exceptional talent and skilled professionals among staff, students and the public.

He said this would be through providing access to mentorship, expert guidance, networking opportunities, and state-of-the-art technology; each of which would be essential for turning innovative ideas into reality.

(NAN)