In order to bridge the gap between the industry and academia and further unlock the Nigerian industrial potentials, the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) is set to host a prestigious scholarship selection examination for the NOTAP-Industry Technology Transfer Fellowship (NITTF) scheme on January 28-29, 2026.
This developmental event will bring together 50 shortlisted candidates from the knowledge institutions in various states of the federation, vying for coveted scholarship spots in the NITTF program, under the supervisory eyes of seasoned and esteemed representatives from the National Universities Commission (NUC), Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (CVCNU), CypherCrescent and sponsoring companies.
The scholarship examination which shall be the 5th in the series of the NITTF, is scheduled for January 28-29, 2026, at the NOTAP headquarters, Abuja. It will be conducted under strict supervision, ensuring the highest standards of integrity and transparency.
Speaking on the importance of the programme to the development of skilled manpower in the Nigerian educational ecosystem, the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NOTAP, Dr. Obiageli Amadiobi said that the selection examination was to be held in 4th quarter of 2025 but it was rescheduled to offer more Nigerians opportunity to benefit from the Scheme.
She stated that the NITTF was initiated by NOTAP to collaborate with partnering multinational companies to offer scholarships to talented Nigerians to undertake PhD programmes on industry defined research topics, with the intent to ensure effective skills development. This, according to her, is also meant to address the perennial issue of demand driven researches, that has been the bane of most researches conducted in the national knowledge institutions.
The DG added that when the programme commenced in 2015, only few candidates showed interest but was glad to announce that this edition will witness 50 participants contesting for the available scholarship slots from the sponsoring companies.
The DG said that NOTAP was primarily established to regulate the inflow of foreign technologies through the registration of technology transfer agreements but also has the responsibility of encouraging the development of locally motivated technologies. She said that in carrying out her responsibilities, the Office noticed that majority of the multinational companies operating in the country carry out critical research overseas, hence the need to develop indigenous skills to provide the needed knowhow to service the multinational companies and grow the Nigerian economy.
“We are thrilled to announce that eight reputable companies are partnering with NOTAP on this 5th session of the Scheme, demonstrating their commitment to nurturing talents and driving innovation in Nigeria,” said Dr. Obiageli Amadiobi.
The NITTF program is designed to foster technology transfer, skills development, and knowledge sharing between academia and industry, this empowering Nigeria’s next generation of innovators for the industrialization of the country.
Raymond Onyenezi Ogbu
