KEY POINTS
- TETFund approves ₦4.2bn for 158 research projects in 2024.
- Projects include AI, robotics, eco-housing, and also medical IoT tools.
- Government also greenlights 18 innovation hubs across the country.
Nigeria has approved a fresh ₦4.2 billion research grant for 158 academic projects across tertiary institutions, the government said Tuesday, as it ramps up investment in innovation and development through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).
The funding comes under the 2024 National Research Fund cycle and follows a rigorous selection process of nearly 7,000 concept notes submitted by researchers nationwide, according to a statement by Abdulmumin Oniyangi, Director of Public Affairs at TETFund.
Nigeria research grant 2024 boosts tech and innovation
The approved grants span three major thematic areas. ₦2.35 billion was given to projects in the fields of science, engineering, technology, and innovation; ₦1.03 billion was given to projects in the humanities and social sciences; and ₦870.7 million was given to cross-cutting research projects.
Leading recipient institutions include Federal University of Technology, Minna, which secured 15 awards worth ₦400 million; Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, with 13 projects worth ₦359.8 million; and Federal University of Technology, Akure, receiving ₦341.6 million across 12 projects. Others are FUTO (₦256.3 million), ATBU Bauchi (₦273.4 million), and the University of Ilorin (₦220.5 million).
Furthermore the projects reflect the government’s drive toward tech-enabled solutions. Among the highlights: a hybrid fertilizer bound with plant material, intelligent aerial drones for crop health monitoring, AI-driven health wearables for military use, and eco-friendly building tech for affordable rural housing.
Innovation hubs to complement research grant push
In a parallel effort to build Nigeria’s innovation capacity, the government also approved the creation of 18 Innovation and Entrepreneurship Hubs across all six geopolitical zones. Each hub will house modern infrastructure, including 3D printing labs, robotics, laser tech, AI systems, and coding stations.
The aim, according to the TETFund, is to “accelerate the uptake of promising research output” and help institutions translate findings into scalable, market-ready solutions.
Finally funding for the 2025 intervention cycle is already underway. Three universities—University of Ibadan, University of Uyo, and Federal University Dutse—each secured ₦1 billion, while 12 additional institutions including Federal Polytechnic Bida and Kano State Polytechnic received ₦750 million apiece.
