FG Approves N4.2bn Research Grants, Establishment of Innovation Hubs in Tertiary Institutions
The Federal Government has approved the disbursement of N4.25 billion in research grants to fund 158 projects under the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) National Research Fund (NRF) 2024 Grant Cycle. It has also given the green light for the establishment of 18 Innovation and Entrepreneurship Hubs across the country.
This is disclosed in a release signed by TETfund Spokesperson, Abdulmumin Oniyangi.
The approvals, announced by TETFund, followed recommendations from the National Research Fund Screening and Monitoring Committee (NRFS&MC) after a rigorous selection process. The committee had received 6,944 concept notes from researchers nationwide before shortlisting the final 158 proposals for funding.
A breakdown of the grants shows that N2.35 billion was allocated to the Science, Engineering, Technology and Innovation (SETI) thematic group, N1.03 billion to Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS), and N870.7 million to Cross-Cutting (CC) research projects.
Institutions with the highest number of awards include the Federal University of Technology, Minna (15 awards worth N400.04 million), Ahmadu Bello University (13 awards worth N359.81 million), and the Federal University of Technology, Akure (12 awards worth N341.61 million). Others are the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (11 awards worth N256.35 million), Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi (10 awards worth N273.41 million), and the University of Ilorin (8 awards worth N220.54 million).
The funded projects cover a wide range of critical areas, including eco-friendly building systems for low-cost housing in rural Nigeria, hybrid plant-based fertilizers, intelligent aerial robotics for farmland weed and disease management, artificial intelligence-enabled medical monitoring systems for military operations, and innovative energy management meters.
According to TETFund, the NRF Grant is aimed at promoting cutting-edge research relevant to national needs in sectors such as energy, health, security, agriculture, and job creation. The initiative, which has been strengthened under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, is seen as a key driver for economic growth and improved living standards.
In a related development, the Federal Government has approved contracts for the creation of 18 Innovation and Entrepreneurship Hubs in TETFund beneficiary institutions across the six geopolitical zones. The hubs will house facilities such as electronics labs, 3D printing labs, laser technology labs, product design labs, robotics and coding centres, and artificial intelligence labs.
The government said the hubs will accelerate the uptake of research outputs by transforming ideas into practical solutions for the Nigerian innovation ecosystem.
Furthermore, under the 2025 Intervention Fund, 15 institutions have been earmarked for allocations to support the development of Innovation Hubs and Entrepreneurship Centres. Beneficiaries include the Federal University Dutse, University of Uyo, and University of Ibadan, each receiving N1 billion.
Others are 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; and Enugu State College of Education (Technical), Enugu, each receiving N750 million.