- Tinubu Approves ₦4.25b for 158 Research Projects Nationwide
- Federal University of Technology, Minna, secured 15 grants valued at ₦400 million
- TETFund stated that the NRF grant is aimed at promoting applied research
President Bola Tinubu has approved ₦4.25 billion in funding for 158 research proposals under the 2024 cycle of the National Research Fund (NRF), administered by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).
Eko Hot Blog gathered that this funding follows a rigorous evaluation process conducted by the NRF Screening and Monitoring Committee, which reviewed 6,944 concept notes submitted by researchers across the country.
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According to a statement from Abdulmumin Oniyangi, Director of Public Affairs at TETFund, the approved projects fall into three thematic areas: Science, Engineering, Technology and Innovation (SETI); Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS); and Cross Cutting.
Out of the total amount, ₦2.35 billion was allocated to SETI, ₦1.03 billion to HSS, and ₦870.7 million to Cross Cutting projects.
Among the institutions with the highest number of approved research projects are the Federal University of Technology, Minna, which secured 15 grants valued at ₦400 million; Ahmadu Bello University, with 13 projects worth ₦359.8 million; and the Federal University of Technology, Akure, with 12 projects receiving ₦341.6 million.
Other major beneficiaries include the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (11 projects), Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi (10 projects), and the University of Ilorin (8 projects).
Some of the funded research areas include the development of affordable rural housing systems, bio-based fertilizers, intelligent aerial robotics for agricultural monitoring, and AI-powered health systems for military use.
TETFund stated that the NRF grant is aimed at promoting applied research that aligns with Nigeria’s development priorities such as energy, health, agriculture, national security, and job creation.
In a related initiative, the Federal Government has also approved the creation of 18 Innovation and Entrepreneurship Hubs in TETFund-supported institutions across the six geopolitical zones.
These hubs will be equipped with cutting-edge facilities including 3D printing labs, robotics and coding centers, artificial intelligence units, and product development workspaces.
Additionally, the government has approved ₦1 billion each for Federal University Dutse, University of Uyo, and University of Ibadan as part of the 2025 TETFund Intervention.
Twelve other polytechnics and colleges of education will each receive ₦750 million to establish entrepreneurship and innovation centers.
TETFund noted that the goal of these hubs is to fast-track the conversion of research into practical solutions and enhance interdisciplinary collaboration to strengthen Nigeria’s innovation landscape.
