BREAKING: FG Approves N4.25 Billion Grant for 158 Research Projects, Establishes Innovation Hubs

FG has approved N4.25 billion grant for 158 Research Projects and established Innovation Hubs Nationwide.

 

NewsOnline Nigeria reports that the Federal Government has approved a massive N4,249,626,817.69 grant to fund 158 research projects under the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) 2024 National Research Fund (NRF) cycle, reinforcing its commitment to innovation, technology, and academic excellence across Nigerian institutions.

According to a statement by Abdulmumin Oniyangi, Director of Public Affairs at TETFund, the grant approval followed recommendations by the National Research Fund Screening and Monitoring Committee (NRFS&MC), which meticulously reviewed over 6,944 concept notes submitted by researchers from across the country.

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Breakdown of Approved Funding by Research Category:

• Science, Engineering, Technology, and Innovation (SETI): ₦2,349,951,630.43

• Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS): ₦1,028,966,204.32

• Cross Cutting Research (CC): ₦870,708,982.94

Top Beneficiary Institutions:

• Federal University of Technology, Minna: 15 projects – ₦400,035,708.51

• Ahmadu Bello University: 13 projects – ₦359,809,744.18

• Federal University of Technology, Akure: 12 projects – ₦341,608,592.80

• Federal University of Technology, Owerri: 11 projects – ₦256,350,698.80

• Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi: 10 projects – ₦273,406,318.80

• University of Ilorin: 8 projects – ₦220,538,834.12

Examples of Approved Research Projects:

• Development of Sustainable Eco-Friendly Walling System for Low-Cost Housing in Rural Nigeria

• Development of Hybrid Cubic Fertilizer Using Plant-Based Binders

• Intelligent Aerial Robotics System for Weed and Disease Management in Maize-Cowpea Farmlands

• AI-Enabled Internet of Medical Things for Military Health Monitoring

• Novel Intelligent Electrical Energy Management Metering System

The NRF Grant, initiated by TETFund, aims to drive solution-driven research in critical sectors such as health, energy, security, agriculture, employment, and wealth creation core areas aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

FG Approves Establishment of 18 Innovation and Entrepreneurship Hubs

In a related development, the Federal Government has also approved the establishment of 18 Innovation and Entrepreneurship Hubs in TETFund-supported institutions across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones.

The Hubs will house core laboratories and workstations including:

• Electronic Lab

• 3D Printing Lab

• Laser Technology Lab

• Robotics and Coding

• Artificial Intelligence Lab

• Product Design Units

These innovation hubs aim to domesticate research outputs and accelerate the transformation of ideas into practical solutions within Nigeria’s evolving innovation ecosystem.

Additional N12.75 Billion Allocated to 15 Institutions for 2025 Intervention

To further support entrepreneurship development, the FG has earmarked funds under the 2025 Intervention Cycle for 15 institutions, including:

• ₦1 billion each:

  • Federal University Dutse

  • University of Uyo

  • University of Ibadan

• ₦750 million each:

  • Federal Polytechnic, Bida

  • Taraba State Polytechnic, Jalingo

  • Adamawa State Polytechnic, Yola

  • Nuhu Bamali Polytechnic, Zuru

  • Kano State Polytechnic

  • Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Uwana

  • Auchi Polytechnic

  • Bayelsa State Polytechnic, Aleibiri

  • Federal Polytechnic, Ede

  • Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo

  • College of Education (Technical), Kabba

  • Enugu State College of Education (Technical)

The government emphasized that these interventions are vital to building a knowledge-driven economy and enhancing the quality of education, innovation, and entrepreneurship across Nigeria.