The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to research, innovation, and entrepreneurship by approving a N4.2 billion grant to fund 158 groundbreaking research projects under the 2024 Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) National Research Fund (NRF) Grant Cycle. Alongside this, it also sanctioned the establishment of 18 Innovation and Entrepreneurship Hubs across various institutions nationwide.
According to a statement by Abdulmumin Oniyangi, Director of Public Affairs at TETFund, the grants were approved following a thorough evaluation process conducted by the National Research Fund Screening and Monitoring Committee. The process began with the submission of 6,944 concept notes from researchers across the country, demonstrating the high level of interest in advancing academic and practical research in Nigeria.
Of the N4.2 billion disbursed, N2.34 billion was allocated to projects under the Science, Engineering, Technology, and Innovation (SETI) thematic group, N1.02 billion was dedicated to Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS), while N870.7 million was assigned to cross-cutting research areas that integrate multiple disciplines.
Some of the leading institutions receiving these grants include the Federal University of Technology, Minna, which secured 15 research awards amounting to N400.03 million; Ahmadu Bello University with 13 awards totaling N359.8 million; and the Federal University of Technology, Akure, with 12 awards worth N341.6 million. Other institutions such as the Federal University of Technology, Owerri; Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi; and the University of Ilorin also featured prominently among the top beneficiaries.
The research projects approved span across diverse fields and are aimed at solving real-life problems. These include the development of sustainable and eco-friendly walling systems for low-cost housing in rural areas, the creation of hybrid cubic fertilisers using plant-based binders, intelligent aerial robotics for improved weed and disease management in maize-cowpea farms, and an AI-enabled Internet of Medical Things system for monitoring soldiers in combat zones. Also included is the development of intelligent electrical energy metering systems, among other forward-thinking projects.
In a complementary effort to drive innovation from research to market, the Federal Government also approved the establishment of 18 Innovation and Entrepreneurship Hubs in selected TETFund beneficiary institutions, covering all six geo-political zones. These hubs will house state-of-the-art laboratories and workstations, including facilities for electronics, 3D printing, laser technology, product design, robotics, coding, and artificial intelligence.
Oniyangi noted that these hubs are designed to accelerate the application of research findings by providing solution-driven, multidisciplinary environments that align with the developmental needs of institutions and the country at large. The aim is to bridge the gap between academia and industry, encouraging practical solutions to national challenges.
Additionally, under the 2025 TETFund Intervention, the government has allocated extra funding to 15 other institutions to support the creation of innovation and entrepreneurship centres. Among the beneficiaries are the Federal University Dutse, University of Uyo, and University of Ibadan, each receiving N1 billion. Others such as Federal Polytechnic Bida, Auchi Polytechnic, Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, and Enugu State College of Education (Technical) will each receive N750 million.
These strategic investments by the Federal Government through TETFund reaffirm its dedication to fostering research excellence, innovation, and entrepreneurship across Nigeria’s tertiary education landscape. They also highlight the government’s vision of using academic research to address key national issues such as health, agriculture, security, energy, and youth empowerment.
