04/07/2026
TASBISA, Tertiary Institutions Seal MoU to Drive Bio-Innovation, Entrepreneurship in Taraba
By Staff Reporter
JALINGO — The Taraba State Capital
Bioentrepreneurship Innovation and Solutions Agency (TASBISA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with tertiary institutions across the state to strengthen collaboration in bio-innovation, entrepreneurship, research commercialisation and sustainable development.
The agreement was signed on Thursday during a stakeholders' meeting held at the Senate Chamber of Taraba State University, Jalingo, with Vice-Chancellors, Rectors, Provosts, Registrars and other principal officers of higher institutions in attendance.
Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor of Taraba State University, described the initiative as a strategic step towards positioning Taraba as a hub for innovation, scientific research and economic transformation.
According to him, the state is gradually moving beyond planning to practical implementation through collaborative efforts among government, academia and development partners.
"We are moving from the drawing board to the field. This partnership provides the platform for institutions to work together in translating research findings into practical solutions that will improve livelihoods and accelerate the development of Taraba State," Prof. Bako said.
The Vice-Chancellor noted that Taraba State University had remained at the forefront of biotechnology and innovation, revealing that the institution already operates a Department of Biotechnology with an improved accreditation status.
He further disclosed that the university's Faculty of Engineering would function as the Faculty of Bio-Resources Engineering to reflect its expanding focus on bio-innovation and scientific research.
Prof. Bako said the institution had also recorded remarkable progress in bio-energy production, environmental engineering and the conversion of biological waste into renewable energy, including biogas production projects.
He added that the university was finalising another Memorandum of Understanding with to promote collaboration in DNA technology and advanced scientific research.
"Our vision is to build a university that not only generates knowledge but also transforms research into innovations that solve societal problems. We are also working towards upgrading our Department of Biological Sciences into a Faculty of Biosciences, while our Centre for Entrepreneurship has already been elevated to an Institute of Entrepreneurship," he stated.
Earlier, Board Member representing tertiary institutions in TASBISA, described the MoU as a landmark achievement that would strengthen collaboration between government and academic institutions in advancing innovation and entrepreneurship across the state.
Also speaking, the Executive Vice-Chairman of TASBISA, stressed the need for stronger partnerships between government and tertiary institutions to promote innovation-driven economic growth.
He explained that the agency had introduced several intervention programmes, including innovation incubation initiatives, entrepreneurship boot camps, seed grants, intellectual property support services, agricultural innovation projects, health bio-innovation programmes and market linkage platforms.
"Innovation thrives where government, academia and industry work together. Through this partnership, we intend to nurture ideas, support innovators, commercialise research outputs and create sustainable enterprises that will generate employment for our youths," Habu said.
He commended the commitment of to innovation and youth empowerment, expressing confidence that the partnership would unlock new opportunities for economic growth and technological advancement.
Representing the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, , Dr. Sallau Yushau reiterated the importance of deepening collaboration between government and higher institutions to promote entrepreneurship, practical research and sustainable development.
He noted that the agreement would expose students and lecturers to entrepreneurial skills, facilitate research commercialisation, establish innovation hubs and create employment opportunities for young people across the state.
Under the agreement, TASBISA and participating tertiary institutions will collaborate in promoting bioentrepreneurship education, joint research, innovation, capacity building and technology transfer.
Other objectives of the MoU include the commercialisation of research outputs, establishment of innovation and incubation hubs, mobilisation of grants and donor funding, promotion of industry-academia partnerships, policy advocacy and sustainable community development.
The partnership also aims to develop bio-based solutions to challenges in agriculture, healthcare, environmental sustainability and economic empowerment, particularly in rural communities across Taraba State.
Participants at the meeting unanimously pledged their commitment to supporting the implementation of the agreement, expressing optimism that the collaboration would contribute significantly to building a prosperous, self-reliant and innovation-driven Taraba State through education, research and entrepreneurship.
