FG Approves ₦4.2bn for 158 TETFund Research Projects

The Federal Government has approved a ₦4.2 billion grant for the funding of 158 research projects under the 2024 cycle of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) National Research Fund (NRF).

The approval follows the recommendation of the TETFund NRF Screening and Monitoring Committee, which conducted a rigorous evaluation process. The process began with the submission of 6,944 concept notes from researchers across the country.

According to a statement signed by TETFund’s Director of Public Affairs, Abdulmumin Oniyangi, on behalf of the Executive Secretary, Sonny Echono, the approved grants are distributed across three thematic areas:

• Science, Engineering, Technology and Innovation – ₦2,349,951,630.43

• Humanities and Social Sciences – ₦1,028,966,204.32

• Cross-Cutting Research – ₦870,708,982.94

Institutions with the highest number of approved projects include:

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

• Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria – 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

Highlighted research projects include:

• Development of a sustainable, eco-friendly walling system for low-cost housing in rural Nigeria

• Creation of a hybrid cubic fertilizer using plant-based binders for efficient nutrient delivery

• Design of an intelligent aerial robotics system for weed and disease management in maize-cowpea farmlands

• Development of an AI-enabled Internet of Medical Things for military physiological monitoring in war zones

• Introduction of a novel intelligent electrical energy management metering system

 

In a related development, the Federal Government has also approved the establishment of 18 Innovation and Entrepreneurship Hubs across TETFund beneficiary institutions in Nigeria’s six geo-political zones as part of its 2024 intervention programme.

The hubs will be equipped with core labs and workstations, including:

• Electronic Labs

• 3D Printing Labs

• Laser Technology Labs

• Product Design Labs

• Robotics and Coding Labs

• Artificial Intelligence Labs

“The project is designed to accelerate the adoption of research outputs, creating solution-driven, multidisciplinary hubs that transform innovative ideas into practical applications for Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem,” the statement noted.

Additionally, under the 2025 intervention cycle, the government has approved funding for 15 beneficiary institutions to support the development of Innovation Hubs and Entrepreneurship Centres.

Institutions receiving ₦1 billion each include:

• Federal University, Dutse

• University of Uyo

• University of Ibadan

Those receiving ₦750 million each include:

• Federal Polytechnic, Bida

• Taraba State Polytechnic, Jalingo

• Adamawa State Polytechnic, Yola

• Nuhu Bamali Polytechnic, Zuru

• Kano State Polytechnic, Kano

• Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Uwana

• Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi

• Bayelsa State Polytechnic, Aleibiri

• Federal Polytechnic, Ede

• Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo

• College of Education (Technical), Kabba

• Enugu State College of Education (Technical), Enugu