Abiodun JIMOH
The Scientific Products Association of Nigeria (SPAN) has unveiled plans for SPANInnovate 2025, a landmark conference and exhibition aimed at advancing Nigeria’s scientific and laboratory ecosystem toward national development.
Speaking during a press briefing in Lagos, Dr. (Mrs.) Kate Isa, President of SPAN, said the two-day event, themed “Science, Laboratory, and Sustainable National Development,” will bring together government officials, industry leaders, academics, and innovators to chart a new course for science-driven growth.
“At SPAN, we believe science is not just the foundation of technology—it is the bedrock of every sustainable economy,” Isa said. “If Nigeria must compete globally and achieve true self-reliance, science and laboratory development must take centre stage in policy, investment, and national planning.”
The event, tagged ‘The Big Science Bonanza,’ will hold from October 28–29, 2025, at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, featuring conferences, exhibitions, and networking opportunities for stakeholders across the science and innovation value chain.
Dr. Isa announced that the initiative has received strong backing from key national institutions, including the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), the Science Teachers Association of Nigeria (STAN), and the Institute of Public Analysts of Nigeria (IPAN).
She disclosed that PVAC’s National Coordinator, Dr. Abdu Mukhtar, will officially flag off the conference and witness the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between PVAC and SPAN — a partnership she described as “a major milestone for Nigeria’s healthcare and laboratory development agenda.”
“These collaborations reflect our collective resolve to build a science-driven economy—one where innovation is not just celebrated, but applied to solve real national challenges,” Isa added.
The two-day event will feature high-level conferences, expert panels, and masterclasses exploring the future of science and sustainable development. It will also host an exhibition of scientific and laboratory products, showcasing cutting-edge innovations from manufacturers and researchers across Nigeria and beyond.
Participants will also enjoy exclusive product discounts of up to 40%, networking opportunities, and sessions connecting scientists, entrepreneurs, investors, and regulators.
According to Isa, the platform is designed not only to promote collaboration but to also “bridge the gap between innovation and implementation” — ensuring that ideas generated in Nigeria’s laboratories translate into tangible impact on industry and society.
Dr. Isa urged policymakers, investors, and the academic community to seize the opportunity that SPANInnovate 2025 presents.
“To our partners in academia, government, and the private sector — this is your moment,” she said. “Let us work together to ensure that science and laboratory practice remain key enablers of Nigeria’s journey toward sustainable national development.”
She expressed appreciation to partners, sponsors, and the media for their continued support, emphasizing that a strong science sector is critical for Nigeria’s economic renewal and technological advancement.
“Your voices and platforms are vital in amplifying the importance of science and innovation,” Isa said. “Together, we can make SPANInnovate 2025 a milestone for Nigeria’s scientific advancement and economic transformation.”
