The Lagos State Government has committed nearly ₦75 million in fresh grants to fuel scientific research, technological innovation, and STEM-focused initiatives across the state. The funding, managed through the Lagos State Science Research and Innovation Council (LASRIC), is designed to strengthen a knowledge-based economy, boost entrepreneurship, and position Lagos as a leading hub for innovation in Africa.
The support was distributed in three categories — Research and Development (R&D), Innovation, and STEM Education — demonstrating the state’s focus on nurturing talent and equipping future leaders.
At the awards ceremony, held at the Governor’s Office Banquet Hall in Alausa, Ikeja, the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, represented Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. Delivering the governor’s remarks, she stressed that the creation of LASRIC reflects Lagos’s vision to build “a modern economy anchored on creativity, technology, and sustainable growth.”
She added that LASRIC has become a platform of hope for young innovators, researchers, and entrepreneurs, with past grants already supporting breakthrough ideas in health, fintech, climate change, culture, mobility, circular economy, education, and even quantum computing.
The Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Technology, Mr. Tunbosun Alake, also addressed the gathering, emphasizing that “entrepreneurship, innovation, and research are the engines of societal transformation.” He urged awardees to push the boundaries of their work and reaffirmed the government’s long-term commitment to backing their success.
Recognizing Trailblazers
The 2025 LASRIC awardees include:
-
Research Awardees: Prof. Akintayo Olanrewaju Ogundajo, Dr. Metilelu Olumide Olusola, Dr. Ugochukwu Amaeze, Prof. Prince Emeka Ndimele, and Dr. Margret O. Sofidiya.
-
Innovation Awardees: Blessing Aniefiok (Dynalimb Technologies), Chuks Oteke (Filmanatomie), Momore Oladiende (Periculum), Olapeju Umah (MyFoodAngels), and Olayinka Iyinolakan (CDIAL AI).
-
STEM Awardees: Ajayi Oluwafemi (Black Accelerate), Alero Thomson (Blue Sands Academy), Eyitayo Ogunmola (AI investor and tech entrepreneur), Dele Tejuoso (Wificombat Academy), and Blessing Adeolu-Adediran (Sail Innovation Lab).
Driving Lagos’s Innovation Ecosystem
Professor Olumiyiwa Odusanya, LASRIC Chairman and Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University of Science and Technology, praised the recipients for their ingenuity. He assured them of the council’s continued backing, stating that the initiative aims to make Lagos a continental hub for science, research, and technology.
Awardees expressed gratitude for the recognition and financial support, pledging to channel the grants into projects that would deliver meaningful social and economic impact.
A Future-Oriented Vision
With this investment, Lagos is reinforcing its role as Nigeria’s leading innovation center, where startups, researchers, and educators can thrive. The initiative underscores the state’s long-term ambition to create an inclusive, resilient, and knowledge-driven economy.
