In a significant push to advance academic research and innovation, the Federal Government of Nigeria has approved a grant of over N4.2 billion to fund 158 research projects across universities and tertiary institutions nationwide.
The initiative, approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, falls under the 2024 Grant Cycle of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) National Research Fund (NRF).
The announcement was made Tuesday in a statement by Abdulmumin Oniyangi, Director of Public Affairs at TETFund, who disclosed that the fund’s disbursement followed recommendations by the National Research Fund Screening and Monitoring Committee (NRFS&MC).
“President Tinubu has approved the sum of N4,249,626,817.69 to support 158 research proposals recommended after a rigorous screening process,” Oniyangi said.
The committee had screened 6,944 Concept Notes submitted by researchers across the country before narrowing down to the final list of 158 projects worthy of funding.
Funding Breakdown by Sector
According to TETFund, the grants are distributed among three thematic research groups:
Science, Engineering, Technology, and Innovation (SETI) – N2,349,951,630.43
Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) – N1,028,966,204.32
Cross-Cutting (CC) Themes – N870,708,982.94
Top Beneficiary Institutions
Several universities received the highest number of approved projects and the largest financial support, including:
- Federal University of Technology, Minna: 15 projects | N400,035,708.51
- Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria: 13 projects | N359,809,744.18
- Federal University of Technology, Akure: 12 projects | N341,608,592.80
- Federal University of Technology, Owerri: 11 projects | N256,350,698.80
- Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi: 10 projects | N273,406,318.80
- University of Ilorin: 8 projects | N220,538,834.12
N10.25 Billion for Innovation Hubs and Entrepreneurship Centres
In a related development, the Federal Government has also approved additional intervention funds for the establishment of Innovation Hubs and Entrepreneurship Centres in selected institutions under the 2025 TETFund Intervention.
The allocations include:
N1 billion each to:
- Federal University, Dutse
- University of Uyo
- University of Ibadan
N750 million each to:
- Federal Polytechnic, Bida
- Taraba State Polytechnic, Jalingo
- Adamawa State Polytechnic, Yola
- Nuhu Bamali Polytechnic, Zuru
- Kano State Polytechnic, Kano
- Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Uwana
- Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi
- Bayelsa State Polytechnic, Aleibiri
- Federal Polytechnic, Ede
- Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo
- College of Education (Technical), Kabba
- Enugu State College of Education (Technical), Enugu
The approval represents a continued commitment by the Tinubu administration to stimulate innovation, research, and capacity building in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.
“This investment in research and innovation infrastructure will further position Nigeria’s academic institutions to solve national problems, drive technology, and stimulate job creation,” Oniyangi added.
𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁𝘀𝗔𝗽𝗽 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗧𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗔𝘀 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗽!
