The Federal Government has approved N4.2 billion to support 158 research projects in Nigerian tertiary institutions under the 2024 cycle of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) National Research Fund (NRF).
This follows the recommendation of the TETFund National Research Fund Screening and Monitoring Committee, which reviewed 6,944 concept notes submitted by researchers across the country.
In a statement released on Tuesday by the Director of Public Affairs, Abdulmumin Oniyangi, on behalf of TETFund Executive Secretary Sonny Echono, the approved funding was allocated across three major thematic areas:
- Science, Engineering, Technology and Innovation: N2.35 billion
- Humanities and Social Sciences: N1.03 billion
- Cross-Cutting Research Projects: N870.7 million
Several top institutions received significant funding, including:
- Federal University of Technology, Minna – 15 projects worth N400 million
- Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria – 13 projects worth N359.8 million
- Federal University of Technology, Akure – 12 projects worth N341.6 million
- Federal University of Technology, Owerri – 11 projects worth N256.3 million
- Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi – 10 projects worth N273.4 million
- University of Ilorin – 8 projects worth N220.5 million
The funded research includes innovations such as eco-friendly building systems for low-income housing, hybrid fertilizers using plant-based binders, AI-powered aerial robots for precision farming, and smart medical monitoring tools for military use.
In a related development, the Federal Government has also approved contracts for the establishment of 18 Innovation and Entrepreneurship Hubs in tertiary institutions across all six geopolitical zones as part of TETFund’s 2024 intervention programme.
These hubs will feature facilities such as:
- Electronic laboratories
- 3D printing studios
- Laser technology units
- Robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) workstations
- Product design and coding centers
According to the statement, the hubs aim to enhance practical application of research findings, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and support solution-oriented innovations tailored to local and national development needs.
Additionally, the government has allocated 2025 intervention funding to 15 more institutions.
- Federal University Dutse, University of Uyo, and University of Ibadan each received N1 billion
- 12 other institutions, including Federal Polytechnic Bida and Kano State Polytechnic, received N750 million each.
These interventions are part of the government’s broader strategy to tackle challenges in education, research, innovation, and youth empowerment.
