Tinubu Approves N4.2bn For 158 TETFund Research Projects

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the disbursement of N4,249,626,817.69 to fund 158 research projects under the 2024 National Research Fund (NRF) Grant Cycle of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).

This approval followed the recommendation of the TETFund National Research Fund Screening and Monitoring Committee (NRFS & MC), which conducted a rigorous screening process beginning with the receipt of 6,944 Concept Notes from researchers across the country.

This was contained in a press statement signed by Abdulmumin Oniyangi, director of public affairs, yesterday on behalf of the executive secretary of TETfund.

According to the statement, N2.35 billion was allocated to research under the Science, Engineering, Technology and Innovation (SETI) thematic area, N1.03 billion to Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS), and N870.7 million to Cross-Cutting (CC) research.

The universities with the highest number of approved research projects include the Federal University of Technology, Minna, which secured 15 awards worth over N400 million; Ahmadu Bello University, with 13 awards totalling N359.8 million; and the Federal University of Technology, Akure, with 12 projects valued at N341.6 million. Others are the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, with 11 awards, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, with 10, and the University of Ilorin, with eight awards.

Some of the groundbreaking research projects funded include the development of a Sustainable, eco-friendly walling system for Low-Cost Housing in Rural Communities of Nigeria, the development of Hybrid Cubic fertiliser using Plant-Based Binders for Efficient Nutrient Release and utilisation, and the development of an Intelligent Aerial Robotics System for Efficient Weed and Disease Management in Maize-Cowpea Farmland in Nigeria.

Others are the development of an Artificial Intelligence-Enabled Internet of Medical Things for Military Physiological Monitoring and Activity Recognition at War Zones and the Development of a Novel Intelligent Electrical Energy Management Metering System.

TETFund stated that the NRF Grant was introduced to encourage cutting-edge research in areas vital to national development, such as power, health, security, agriculture, and wealth creation.

The statement reads in some parts, “A breakdown of the approval indicates that the sum of N2,349,951,630.43 was approved for the Science, Engineering, Technology and Innovation (SETI) thematic group; N1,028,966,204.32 for Humanities and Social Science (HSS), while Cross Cutting (CC) received N870,708,982.94.

“Beneficiary Institutions with the highest number of awards include the Federal University of Technology, Minna, with a total of 15 awards amounting to N400,035,708.51; Ahmadu Bello University, with 13 awards totalling N359,809,744.18, and Federal University of Technology, Akure, with 12 awards at N341,608,592.80. Others are Federal University of Technology, Owerri with 11 awards at N256,350,698.80; Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi with 10 awards at N273,406,318.80 and University of Ilorin with eight awards totalling N220,538,834.12.”

In a related development, the federal government has approved contracts for the establishment of 18 Innovation and Entrepreneurship Hubs in TETFund beneficiary institutions across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

These hubs will be equipped with modern labs and workstations covering electronics, 3D printing, laser technology, product design, robotics, coding, and artificial intelligence.

“The project is intended to facilitate and accelerate the uptake of promising research output, providing solution-driven and multidisciplinary hubs tailored towards the needs of beneficiary institutions,” the statement added.

These hubs are expected to domesticate research outputs and transform them into practical innovations within Nigeria’s growing innovation ecosystem.

Further demonstrating its commitment to innovation and enterprise, the federal government has also approved additional funding under TETFund’s 2025 intervention to support 15 institutions.

Federal University Dutse, University of Uyo, and University of Ibadan will each receive N1 billion.

Other institutions, including Federal Polytechnic Bida, Taraba State Polytechnic, Adamawa State Polytechnic, Nuhu Bamali Polytechnic, Kano State Polytechnic, Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Auchi Polytechnic, Bayelsa State Polytechnic, Federal Polytechnic Ede, Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, College of Education (Technical) Kabba, and Enugu State College of Education (Technical), will each receive N750 million.