The Federal Government has approved a total of ₦4.2 billion for the funding of 158 research proposals under the 2024 National Research Fund (NRF) Grant Cycle, administered by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).
The approval followed recommendations by the National Research Fund Screening and Monitoring Committee, which screened 6,944 Concept Notes before selecting the 158 proposals for full funding.
A statement released on Tuesday by Abdulmumin Oniyangi, Director of Public Affairs at TETFund, on behalf of the Executive Secretary, Sonny Echono, revealed the thematic group allocations as follows:
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₦2.35 billion for Science, Engineering, Technology and Innovation
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₦1.03 billion for Humanities and Social Sciences
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₦870.7 million for Cross-Cutting research
Institutions with the highest number of grants include:
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Federal University of Technology, Minna – 15 awards (₦400 million)
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Ahmadu Bello University – 13 awards (₦359.8 million)
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Federal University of Technology, Akure – 12 awards (₦341.6 million)
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Federal University of Technology, Owerri – 11 awards (₦256.4 million)
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Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi – 10 awards (₦273.4 million)
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University of Ilorin – 8 awards (₦220.5 million)
Highlighted projects include:
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Sustainable eco-friendly walling systems for low-cost rural housing
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Hybrid cubic fertilizer using plant-based binders
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Intelligent aerial robotics for weed and disease management in maize-cowpea farms
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AI-enabled Internet of Medical Things for military monitoring
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Novel intelligent energy management metering systems
FG Approves Innovation Hubs Across 18 Institutions
In a related development, the Federal Government has also approved the establishment of 18 Innovation and Entrepreneurship Hubs across TETFund institutions in all six geopolitical zones as part of the 2024 intervention cycle.
These hubs will feature core labs and workstations, including:
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Electronics Labs
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3D Printing Labs
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Laser Technology Labs
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Robotics and Coding Labs
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Artificial Intelligence development units
The hubs are designed to translate research findings into practical innovations, serving as multidisciplinary solution-driven centres within host institutions.
Further, the FG has approved ₦1 billion each for three universities under the 2025 intervention to support entrepreneurship centres:
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Federal University Dutse
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University of Uyo
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University of Ibadan
Additionally, 12 other institutions, including polytechnics and colleges of education, will receive ₦750 million each. These include:
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Federal Polytechnic, Bida
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Taraba State Polytechnic, Jalingo
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Adamawa State Polytechnic, Yola
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Nuhu Bamali Polytechnic, Zuru
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Kano State Polytechnic, Kano
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Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Uwana
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Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi
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Bayelsa State Polytechnic, Aliebiri
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Federal Polytechnic, Ede
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Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo
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College of Education (Technical), Kabba
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Enugu State College of Education (Technical), Enugu
According to TETFund, these initiatives aim to bridge the gap between research, innovation, and industry, and to foster economic development through locally-driven solutions.
