The Federal Government has approved a total of N4.2 billion for the funding of 158 research projects and the establishment of innovation and entrepreneurship hubs across tertiary institutions under the 2024 National Research Fund (NRF) Grant Cycle managed by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).
The approval follows recommendations by the National Research Fund Screening and Monitoring Committee, which undertook a rigorous screening process involving 6,944 concept notes submitted by researchers nationwide.
After a thorough evaluation, 158 proposals were selected for funding based on their relevance to national needs and potential for real-world impact.
Out of the approved amount, N2.3 billion was allocated to research projects under the Science, Engineering, Technology and Innovation (SETI) thematic group, while N1 billion was allocated to Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS).
Cross-Cutting (CC) research areas received over N870 million.
Leading beneficiary institutions include the Federal University of Technology, Minna, which received 15 grants worth N400 million; Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, with 13 projects totaling N359.8 million; and the Federal University of Technology, Akure, with 12 projects worth N341.6 million.
Other notable recipients include the Federal University of Technology, Owerri; Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi; and the University of Ilorin.
The approved research projects span various sectors and address critical challenges.
These include the development of sustainable eco-friendly walling systems for low-cost rural housing, the creation of hybrid cubic fertilizers using plant-based binders for improved nutrient release, the deployment of intelligent aerial robotics for weed and disease control in farmland, and the design of AI-enabled Internet of Medical Things for monitoring military personnel in combat zones.
Other projects include innovations in smart electrical energy management systems.
The NRF grant was introduced by TETFund to support high-quality, solution-driven research focused on addressing Nigeria’s pressing developmental challenges in sectors such as energy, health, security, agriculture, and employment. Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the initiative has gained further momentum as a strategic tool for driving economic growth and improving living standards.
In addition to the research funding, the Federal Government has also approved the establishment of 18 Innovation and Entrepreneurship Hubs across beneficiary institutions in the six geopolitical zones.
These hubs will house core laboratories and workstations including electronic labs, 3D printing labs, laser technology labs, product design labs, robotics and coding labs, and artificial intelligence centres.
The aim is to bridge the gap between academic research and practical solutions, enabling institutions to domesticate ideas and turn research outputs into impactful innovations for national development.
Further support has also been extended under the 2025 TETFund intervention, with 15 institutions receiving allocations to strengthen their innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems. The Federal University Dutse, University of Uyo, and University of Ibadan each received N1 billion, while 12 other institutions, including Federal Polytechnic Bida, Adamawa State Polytechnic Yola, Kano State Polytechnic, Auchi Polytechnic, and Enugu State College of Education (Technical), were allocated N750 million each.
The government emphasized that these investments are part of a broader effort to nurture a vibrant innovation culture in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions and to ensure that research translates into tangible economic and social benefits.
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