FG Unveils ₦4.2bn Boost for Research Breakthroughs Across Nigerian Universities

The Federal Government has approved the release of ₦4.2 billion to fund 158 research projects across Nigerian tertiary institutions under the 2024 National Research Fund grant cycle of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).

According to reports, the approval came after the National Research Fund Screening and Monitoring Committee concluded a rigorous review process that began with the submission of over 6,900 concept notes from scholars across the country. Following detailed evaluation, 158 proposals were selected based on merit and national relevance.

The latest breakdown indicates that ₦2.35 billion has been allocated to projects within the Science, Engineering, Technology, and Innovation thematic group. Projects in the Humanities and Social Sciences received ₦1.03 billion, while Cross-Cutting research initiatives secured ₦870.7 million.

Among the institutions with the highest number of approved grants are the Federal University of Technology, Minna with 15 awards valued at ₦400 million; Ahmadu Bello University with 13 awards totaling ₦359 million; and the Federal University of Technology, Akure with 12 projects worth ₦341 million. Other notable beneficiaries include the Federal University of Technology, Owerri; Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi; and the University of Ilorin.

The research projects span diverse sectors with direct implications for national development. Some of the approved topics include the development of sustainable walling systems for low-cost rural housing, hybrid plant-based fertilizers for improved agricultural yields, intelligent robotics systems for crop disease control, and AI-powered monitoring tools for military health surveillance.

In a related development, the Federal Government has approved the establishment of 18 Innovation and Entrepreneurship Hubs across six geopolitical zones, all within TETFund-supported institutions. These hubs are expected to house advanced technology labs focusing on robotics, artificial intelligence, laser technology, 3D printing, and product design to support multidisciplinary research and drive innovation from campus to market.

Additionally, funding has been earmarked under the 2025 intervention cycle for 15 beneficiary institutions to bolster innovation capacity. These include the University of Ibadan, University of Uyo, and Federal University Dutse, each receiving ₦1 billion. Selected polytechnics and technical colleges have been allocated ₦750 million each to strengthen entrepreneurship and practical skill development.

According to educational stakeholders, the initiative underscores a strategic commitment to reposition Nigeria’s academic and research landscape while bridging the gap between academic inquiry and industrial application. The move is expected to significantly improve the country’s innovation ecosystem and advance socio-economic growth.