The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has approved 174 research grants worth N7.5 billion under the 2025 National Research Fund (NRF) cycle, in a move aimed at boosting research, innovation and national development.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, TETFund Executive Secretary, Sonny Echono, said the Federal Government was committed to supporting research as a key driver of economic growth, job creation and technological advancement.
According to him, research remains essential to unlocking Nigeria’s vast human and natural resources while creating solutions to challenges across different sectors of the economy.
“We believe that by harnessing the knowledge and intellectual capacity within our tertiary institutions, Nigeria can make better use of its resources and develop innovative solutions that will drive national prosperity,” Echono said.
He explained that the selection process for the grants involved multiple stages, beginning with the submission of concept notes, followed by full research proposals and oral presentations before a panel of experts.
At the end of the rigorous assessment process, 174 research projects were approved for funding.
The grants, which range between N13.6 million and N49.97 million, cover critical sectors such as health, agriculture, food security, science and engineering, power and energy, education, defence technology, clean energy, blue economy, social inclusion and security studies.
Echono disclosed that the Federal University of Technology, Minna, emerged as the highest beneficiary with 18 approved grants. The Federal University of Technology, Owerri, secured 11 grants, while Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, received 10. The University of Ilorin followed with eight grants.
Other institutions that recorded strong performances include Bayero University, Kano, and Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, with seven grants each, while the University of Jos secured six. The University of Ibadan, University of Lagos and Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, received five grants each.
Read Also:
NELFUND Disburses Over N206bn to Students, Institutions in Two Years — Board Member
Newly established federal universities, state-owned universities, polytechnics and colleges of education also featured among the beneficiaries.
Echono noted that the initiative is helping Nigerian researchers improve their competitiveness in attracting international research funding and contributing meaningful solutions to national challenges.
He revealed that more than 55 patents have been produced from TETFund-supported research projects over the past three years, highlighting the impact of the programme on innovation and technological development.
The TETFund boss also announced plans to hold another National Research Fair in November, where researchers will showcase their innovations and connect with investors, manufacturers, financial institutions and other stakeholders interested in commercialising research outputs.
Among the innovations developed through TETFund-backed research are food preservation technologies, mechanised gari processing systems, improved seed varieties, water purification solutions, wind-powered energy systems, hearing aids, electric vehicles and locally manufactured fire engines.
Echono said the Fund is working closely with institutions and industry players to accelerate the commercialisation of these innovations and ensure that research findings contribute directly to national development.
He encouraged researchers across the country to prepare for the 2026 NRF grant cycle, assuring them that the selection process would remain transparent, competitive and focused on rewarding excellence.
