President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a total grant of ₦4,249,626,817.69 to support 158 research projects in Nigerian universities, under the 2024 TETFund National Research Fund (NRF) Grant Cycle.
This approval followed a rigorous selection process by the National Research Fund Screening and Monitoring Committee (NRFS&MC), which assessed 6,944 Concept Notes submitted by researchers across the country. Out of these, 158 high-impact research proposals were recommended for funding.
According to a statement released on Tuesday in Abuja by Abdulmumin Oniyangi, Director of Public Affairs at TETFund, the funds have been allocated across three major research categories:
• ₦2,349,951,630.43 for Science, Engineering, Technology, and Innovation (SETI)
• ₦1,028,966,204.32 for Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS)
• ₦870,708,982.94 for Cross-Cutting (CC) thematic areas
Top Beneficiary Institutions Include:
• Federal University of Technology, Minna – 15 awards totaling ₦400,035,708.51
• Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria – 13 awards totaling ₦359,809,744.18
• Federal University of Technology, Akure – 12 awards totaling ₦341,608,592.80
• Federal University of Technology, Owerri – 11 awards totaling ₦256,350,698.80
• Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi – 10 awards totaling ₦273,406,318.80
• University of Ilorin – 8 awards totaling ₦220,538,834.12
In a separate but related development, President Tinubu also approved funding under the 2025 TETFund Intervention to establish Innovation Hubs and Entrepreneurship Centres in select institutions.
The following universities will receive ₦1 billion each:
• Federal University Dutse
• University of Uyo
• University of Ibadan
Additionally, the following polytechnics and colleges will each receive ₦750 million:
• 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
This strategic investment in research and innovation underscores President Tinubu’s commitment to repositioning Nigeria’s higher education system as a hub for knowledge production, technological advancement, and entrepreneurial development.
