President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has authorised the disbursement of N4.2 billion in research grants to support 158 projects across Nigerian universities under the 2024 cycle of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) National Research Fund (NRF).
The announcement was made on Tuesday in Abuja by the Director of Public Affairs at TETFund, Abdulmumin Oniyangi. The decision follows recommendations from the NRF Screening and Monitoring Committee (NRFS&MC), which selected the projects through a competitive assessment of 6,944 concept notes submitted from institutions nationwide.
A breakdown of the funding shows that N2.35 billion has been allocated for projects in Science, Engineering, Technology, and Innovation (SETI), while N1.03 billion is designated for Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS). Another N870 million will be used to support cross-disciplinary research efforts.
Among the universities receiving the largest shares of the fund are the Federal University of Technology, Minna, with 15 projects worth N400 million; Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, which secured 13 projects totalling N359.8 million; and the Federal University of Technology, Akure, with 12 research grants valued at N341.6 million.
Other prominent beneficiaries include the Federal University of Technology, Owerri; Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi; and the University of Ilorin.
The approved projects cover a wide array of focus areas, including artificial intelligence for military health monitoring, smart energy management systems, aerial robotics for agricultural use, and sustainable construction technologies for rural housing.
TETFund stated that the supported research initiatives are aimed at addressing critical national issues across sectors such as healthcare, energy, agriculture, defence, housing, and economic empowerment.
As part of a broader effort to reinforce the country’s research and innovation landscape, the Federal Government has also given the green light for the establishment of 18 Innovation and Entrepreneurship Hubs in TETFund-supported institutions across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. These hubs will be equipped with modern facilities for artificial intelligence, robotics, 3D printing, electronics, and other emerging technologies.
Furthermore, 15 universities, including the University of Uyo, Federal University Dutse, and the University of Ibadan, are to receive up to N1 billion each under the 2025 TETFund intervention to enhance entrepreneurship development.
Polytechnics and colleges of education will also benefit, with N750 million allocated to each for the creation of innovation centres aimed at converting academic research into tangible national solutions.
TETFund noted that these measures are consistent with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises education and innovation as key drivers of economic growth and national progress.
