Neglected But Not Dejected Initiative

TEAM STRUCTURE

Innovation Title: Orthopaedic Thermoplastic Slab (OTS) for Children with Cerebral Palsy.

Dr. Oluremi Aduke Saliu, Team Lead

Dr. Ayodeji Oluwafemi Idowu, Team Member

Dr. Opeyemi Eunice Olokoba, Team Member

L/R: Dr. Opeyemi Eunice Olokoba, Dr. Oluremi Aduke Saliu, and Dr. Ayodeji Oluwafemi Idowu

This recognition reflects years of commitment to innovation, inclusion, research, and community impact. It also represents an important step toward addressing one of the major challenges affecting children living with physical disabilities in Nigeria and many developing countries.

TETFAIR, which stands for TETFund Alliance for Innovative Research, is a national innovation programme established by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund in partnership with Innov8 Hub Abuja. The programme was created to help Nigerian researchers and innovators transform ideas into practical solutions that solve real problems within society. Rather than allowing research outcomes to remain within classrooms and laboratories, TETFAIR supports innovators in developing prototypes, improving products, and preparing innovations for real world application and commercialization.

The programme has become one of the most respected innovation platforms in Nigeria because it connects researchers with mentors, industry experts, innovation labs, investors, and technical support systems capable of helping local ideas grow into impactful solutions. Being selected into the programme is a significant accomplishment due to the highly competitive nature of the process and the large number of applications received from institutions across the country.

Dr. Oluremi A. Saliu’s innovation focuses on children living with cerebral palsy, commonly known as CP. Cerebral palsy is one of the most common physical disabilities affecting children around the world. It is a neurological condition caused by damage or abnormal development in the brain, often before birth, during childbirth, or shortly after birth. The condition affects movement, muscle coordination, posture, and balance.

Children living with cerebral palsy often experience stiffness in the muscles, difficulty walking, poor body control, and challenges with physical movement. Some children require constant physical support to sit, stand, or move comfortably. In many cases, they also face difficulties participating fully in school activities, social interactions, and everyday life due to mobility limitations.

Although cerebral palsy does not worsen progressively like some neurological conditions, its effects can become more difficult over time when proper rehabilitation and support systems are unavailable. Many children require long term physiotherapy, orthopaedic support devices, and specialized care to improve movement, reduce pain, and maintain physical stability.

In Nigeria and many low income settings, access to these support systems remains limited. Families raising children with cerebral palsy often struggle with the high cost of orthopaedic devices, rehabilitation therapy, transportation, and specialized medical care. Imported assistive devices are usually expensive and difficult to access, while locally available alternatives are limited. As a result, many children are unable to receive the physical support they need to improve their quality of life.

This is where the Orthopaedic Thermoplastic Slab innovation becomes highly important. The innovation seeks to provide a more accessible, adaptable, lightweight, and child friendly orthopaedic support solution for children living with cerebral palsy. By using thermoplastic materials, the device is expected to offer better comfort, improved flexibility, durability, and support for rehabilitation.

Orthopaedic support devices play a major role in helping children with cerebral palsy maintain proper posture, reduce muscle complications, improve mobility, and participate more actively in therapy and learning activities. A child who receives proper physical support has a better opportunity to participate in education, social life, and community engagement with improved confidence and dignity.

The significance of this innovation goes beyond healthcare alone. It speaks directly to the need for locally developed solutions that respond to the realities faced by vulnerable families within African communities. It also reflects the growing importance of research driven innovation in solving social and health related problems in Nigeria.

The Orthopaedic Thermoplastic Slab project aligns strongly with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. It contributes to Goal 3, which focuses on good health and wellbeing, by promoting rehabilitation support and improved healthcare outcomes for children with disabilities. It also supports Goal 4 on quality education because improved mobility and physical support increase the chances of children with cerebral palsy participating effectively in school activities. The innovation further contributes to Goal 9 on industry and innovation through local healthcare technology development, while also supporting Goal 10 on reduced inequalities by promoting inclusion and accessibility for children living with disabilities.

For Not Dejected Initiative, this achievement represents more than recognition. It reflects a vision of building a society where vulnerable individuals are not forgotten and where innovation is used to improve lives and restore dignity. The organization remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote inclusion, wellbeing, accessibility, and sustainable community development.

The selection of Dr. Oluremi A. Saliu into TETFAIR 2026 stands as a strong example of how research, innovation, and compassion can come together to address pressing social challenges. It also offers hope to many families raising children with cerebral palsy who continue to seek affordable and effective rehabilitation support within their communities.

As this journey progresses, Not Dejected Initiative looks forward to the impact this innovation will create across healthcare, rehabilitation, disability inclusion, and child support systems in Nigeria and beyond.

References

Dr. OLUREMI A. SALIU AND TEAM WON TETFAIR 2026 PROGRAMME AWARD

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