FG approves N4.2bn for 158 research projects across Nigerian tertiary institutions
By Uji A. Iliyasu, Abuja
The Federal Government has approved a total grant of ₦4,249,626,817.69 to fund 158 research projects under the 2024 cycle of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund)’s National Research Fund (NRF).
This was disclosed in a statement signed by TETFund’s Director of Public Affairs, Abdulmumin Oniyangi, who revealed that the approval followed recommendations by the National Research Fund Screening and Monitoring Committee (NRFS&MC). The committee had conducted a rigorous screening process, beginning with the submission of 6,944 concept notes by researchers from across the country.
According to the breakdown, ₦2,349,951,630.43 has been allocated to projects under the Science, Engineering, Technology and Innovation (SETI) thematic group; ₦1,028,966,204.32 to Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS); and ₦870,708,982.94 to the Cross-Cutting (CC) category.
Institutions with the highest number of successful research proposals include the Federal University of Technology, Minna, which secured 15 projects worth ₦400,035,708.51; Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, with 13 awards amounting to ₦359,809,744.18; and the Federal University of Technology, Akure, which received 12 awards totalling ₦341,608,592.80. Others include the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (11 awards, ₦256,350,698.80); Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi (10 awards, ₦273,406,318.80); and the University of Ilorin (8 awards, ₦220,538,834.12).
Among the approved research topics are:Development of a Sustainable Eco-Friendly Walling System for Low-Cost Housing in Rural Communities of Nigeria;
Development of Hybrid Cubic Fertiliser Using Plant-Based Binders for Efficient Nutrient Release and Utilisation;
Development of an Intelligent Aerial Robotics System for Efficient Weed and Disease Management in Maize-Cowpea Farmland in Nigeria;
Development of an AI-Enabled Internet of Medical Things for Military Physiological Monitoring and Activity Recognition at War Zones;
and Development of a Novel Intelligent Electrical Energy Management Metering System.
The NRF grant, established by TETFund, is aimed at encouraging cutting-edge, high-impact research that addresses Nigeria’s societal needs, including energy, health, agriculture, security, employment and wealth creation, in line with the Fund’s mandate.
According to the statement, the initiative has gained further momentum under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, serving as a crucial tool for national development and poverty alleviation.
In addition to the research grants, the Federal Government has also approved the establishment of 18 Innovation and Entrepreneurship Hubs in selected TETFund beneficiary institutions across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones, as part of the Fund’s 2024 intervention.
These hubs will be equipped with state-of-the-art Core Labs and Workstations, including Electronic Labs, 3D Printing Labs, Laser Technology Labs, Product Design Labs, Robotics and Coding Facilities, and Artificial Intelligence Labs.
The purpose of these facilities is to fast-track the adoption and commercialisation of promising research outputs, offering multidisciplinary and solution-oriented spaces where ideas and innovations can be incubated and translated into real-world solutions for Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem.
Furthermore, under the 2025 intervention cycle, the Federal Government has approved the allocation of funds for the establishment of additional Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centres in 15 institutions. These include:
Federal University Dutse, University of Uyo, and University of Ibadan, each receiving ₦1 billion.
Federal Polytechnic, Bida; Taraba State Polytechnic, Jalingo; Adamawa State Polytechnic, Yola; Nuhu Bamali Polytechnic, Zuru; Kano State Polytechnic; Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Uwana; Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi; Bayelsa State Polytechnic, Aleibiri; Federal Polytechnic, Ede; Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo; College of Education (Technical), Kabba; and Enugu State College of Education (Technical) — each allocated ₦7501 million.
The statement reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s research landscape and driving innovation through sustained investment in knowledge-based initiatives.
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