Breaking: President Tinubu Approves ₦13-Billion For National Research Fund And University Laboratories

Breaking: President Tinubu Approves ₦13-Billion For National Research Fund And University Laboratories

President Bola Tinubu has approved ₦13 billion for the National Research Fund (NRF) and the establishment of Central Multipurpose Laboratories in select universities across Nigeria.

The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja during the inauguration of the reconstituted TETFund National Research Fund Screening and Monitoring Committee (NRFS&MC) and the Technical Advisory Group (TAG).

In addition, Mamman received the report from the TETFund ad hoc Committee on Equipment Upgrade in Workshops and Laboratories, emphasizing the Federal Government’s commitment to equipping research facilities nationwide.

“President Tinubu’s approval of ₦5 billion for NRF and ₦8 billion for Central Multipurpose Laboratories underscores his commitment to advancing research for national development,” the minister said.

During the inauguration of the committees, Mamman stressed the importance of enhancing research capacity across various academic fields. He highlighted the necessity of elevating academic publications in Nigeria and reducing dependence on foreign materials through initiatives like the Higher Education Book Development Project.

The Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, lauded the expertise of the committees, emphasizing their crucial role in implementing the National Research Fund.

“The NRF has awarded 912 research grants totaling ₦24,021,679,195.88 since its inception in 2009, promoting applied research and innovation in public tertiary institutions,” Echono stated.

The committees were urged to maintain high standards and credibility in their efforts to advance research and academic publishing for the nation’s development.