The Federal Government has approved a total grant of N4,249,626,817.69 to support 158 research projects in Nigerian universities under the 2024 National Research Fund (NRF) Grant Cycle.
The approval, granted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was based on recommendations from the National Research Fund Screening and Monitoring Committee (NRFS&MC) after a rigorous review process. The committee evaluated 6,944 Concept Notes submitted by researchers from various institutions, ultimately selecting 158 proposals for funding.
The announcement was made on Tuesday in Abuja through a statement by Abdulmumin Oniyangi, Director of Public Affairs at the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).
A breakdown of the approved grant shows the Science, Engineering, Technology, and Innovation (SETI) thematic group received N2,349,951,630.43, the Humanities and Social Science (HSS) group was allocated N1,028,966,204.32, while Cross Cutting (CC) projects got N870,708,982.94.
Among the beneficiary institutions, those with the highest number of awarded projects include:
*Federal University of Technology, Minna: 15 awards totaling N400,035,708.51
*Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria: 13 awards totaling N359,809,744.18
*Federal University of Technology, Akure: 12 awards totaling N341,608,592.80
*Federal University of Technology, Owerri: 11 awards totaling N256,350,698.80
*Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi: 10 awards totaling N273,406,318.80
*University of Ilorin: 8 awards totaling N220,538,834.12
In a further push to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in tertiary education, the Federal Government also approved funding under the 2025 TETFund Intervention for the establishment of Innovation Hubs and Entrepreneurship Centres in 15 institutions.
Three universities — Federal University Dutse, University of Uyo, and University of Ibadan — will each receive N1 billion. Meanwhile, 12 other polytechnics and colleges of education have been allocated N750 million each. These include:
*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
*Enugu State College of Education (Technical), Enugu.
The TETFund statement noted that the interventions aim to bolster Nigeria’s research capacity, promote innovation-driven development, and strengthen the bridge between academia and industry.
