TETFund Approves N7.5 Billion Research Grants For 174 Projects
TETFund Approves N7.5 Billion Research Grants for 174 Projects
The Federal Government, through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund TETFund, has approved research grants worth N7.5 billion for 174 projects across Nigerian tertiary institutions under the 2025 National Research Fund NRF cycle. The initiative is aimed at boosting research, innovation, and national development through evidence based solutions in critical sectors of the economy. Speaking at a briefing in Abuja, Sonny Echono, Executive Secretary of TETFund, said the grants emerged from a rigorous multi-stage selection process involving concept note submissions, full proposal evaluations, and oral defence sessions conducted before the National Research Fund Screening and Monitoring Committee. According to Echono, the approved projects cut across strategic sectors considered vital to Nigeria’s growth and competitiveness. These include health and social welfare, agriculture and food security, education, science and engineering, energy, environmental sustainability, blue economy, defence technology, conflict resolution, gender inclusion, and national security studies.
He noted that the approved grants range from approximately N13.6 million to nearly N50 million per project, depending on the scope and relevance of the research. The funding is expected to support research teams in developing practical solutions to national challenges while strengthening Nigeria’s knowledge economy.
TETFund explained that the NRF programme is designed to encourage collaboration among researchers and institutions, promote innovation, and improve the quality of research outputs from Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. Among the beneficiary institutions, Federal University of Technology Minna recorded the highest number of successful grants with 18 approved projects. It was followed by Federal University of Technology Owerri with 11 grants, while Ahmadu Bello University secured 10 grants. Other institutions with notable performances include University of Ilorin, Bayero University Kano, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, University of Jos, University of Ibadan, University of Lagos, and Usmanu Danfodiyo University. The TETFund boss emphasized that research remains a critical tool for economic transformation, job creation, technological advancement, and the effective utilization of Nigeria’s human and natural resources. He urged researchers across the country to continue participating in the competitive funding programme, describing it as transparent, merit-driven, and capable of enhancing researchers’ ability to secure international grants.
The latest intervention underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening tertiary education and promoting research-driven innovation as a catalyst for sustainable national development.
