The Lagos State Government has announced the disbursement of N900 million in grants to researchers and startups as part of efforts to strengthen innovation, technology, and scientific development across the state.

The grants were distributed through the Lagos State Science Research and Innovation Council, with support reaching 80 researchers and 75 startup businesses. The initiative forms part of the state government’s broader strategy to encourage local innovation and create solutions capable of addressing social and economic challenges.

The Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Tunbosun Alake, disclosed the development during the ongoing ministerial media briefing marking the third year of the second term administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

According to Alake, the 2026 grant cycle attracted more than 240 applications from innovators, researchers, and startup founders seeking government support for projects aimed at improving technology, education, healthcare, and economic growth in Lagos.

He explained that the grants are designed to create an enabling environment for scientific discoveries and entrepreneurial development, especially among young innovators and technology-driven businesses.

Federal Influence Won’t Decide 2027 Polls in Oyo, Says Makinde

Beyond innovation funding, the commissioner also revealed significant progress under the Lagos Identity Card Project. He stated that 6.46 million residents have so far been registered under the initiative.

According to the breakdown provided, over 4.058 million registered individuals are adults, while approximately 2.407 million are children.

Alake described the identity card project as a critical component of governance and public service delivery in Lagos State. He explained that the initiative aligns with the administration’s THEMES agenda, which seeks to improve governance efficiency through digital innovation and data-driven systems.

The commissioner stated that the framework would support inclusive governance by integrating multiple government agencies into a unified structure capable of sharing information and leveraging centralised infrastructure.

He noted that the identity management system would make it easier for government institutions and their partners to operate independently while maintaining coordinated access to verified data and partnerships.

The initiative is also expected to improve planning, security coordination, social intervention programmes, and access to government services for residents.

Meanwhile, the state’s Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Tolani Sule, addressed concerns surrounding budget allocations for public secondary school libraries.

During the media briefing, Sule stated that the Ministry of Tertiary Education did not directly renovate public secondary school libraries, despite records in the state’s 2025 budget performance document indicating otherwise.

The budget report had stated that over N232.6 million was spent on the rehabilitation of 70 public secondary school libraries across Lagos State. Another N100 million was reportedly allocated for completion and retention works linked to 50 additional library projects under phases I and II.

The clarification has raised questions regarding the implementation and oversight of the reported projects.

Despite the controversy, Sule highlighted plans by the Lagos State Government to establish a new University of Medicine and Health Sciences in partnership with the Ministry of Health.

According to him, the proposed institution is intended to tackle the growing shortage of healthcare professionals in Lagos and across Nigeria.

He explained that the university would increase the training capacity for doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals, helping to address the challenges created by the continued migration of medical workers abroad.

The planned institution is expected to strengthen the state’s healthcare system while supporting long-term manpower development in the medical sector.