TETFund Approves N7.5bn in Research Grants for 174 Projects
The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has approved 174 research grants worth N7.5 billion under the 2025 National Research Fund (NRF) grant cycle. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance research and innovation within Nigeria’s tertiary institutions. The decision was announced by the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, during a press conference in Abuja.
Echono emphasized that the Federal Government is increasing its support for research and development as a key driver of economic transformation, job creation, and national development. He stated that research plays a crucial role in unlocking Nigeria’s vast human and natural resources and fostering innovation across various sectors of the economy.
“We believe strongly that if we can use the knowledge in our tertiary institutions and harness those intellectual talents, we will be able to better utilize our natural resources,” he said. According to Echono, research-driven innovation can lead to the creation of new products and services, improve productivity, and contribute to national prosperity.
A Rigorous Selection Process
The 2025 NRF selection process concluded after a multi-stage assessment conducted by the Fund’s National Research Fund Screening and Monitoring Committee. Echono explained the process, stating that applicants first submitted concept notes, which were reviewed before selected candidates were invited to submit full proposals. These proposals underwent another round of evaluation before shortlisted researchers were invited to Abuja to defend their projects.
“The third stage involved oral presentations to defend their proposals, and at the end of that, we have the eventual selection of the successful research proposals,” Echono said.
Distribution Across Key Sectors
The 174 approved grants span several priority areas, including health and social welfare, agriculture and food security, sustainable use of natural resources, science and engineering, power and energy, blue economy, defense technology, clean energy, education and human capital development, gender equity and social inclusion, as well as conflict, defense, and security studies.
Echono noted that the grants range from N13.6 million to N49.97 million each. Among the top-performing institutions, the Federal University of Technology, Minna, secured the most grants with 18, followed by the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, with 11 grants. Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, came in third with 10 grants.
Other universities, including the University of Ilorin, Bayero University, Kano, and Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, each received seven grants. The University of Jos, the University of Ibadan, the University of Lagos, and Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, each secured five grants.
Newly established federal universities, state-owned institutions, polytechnics, and colleges of education also featured among the successful beneficiaries. Examples include the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, Kaduna State; the Federal University of Environment and Technology, Koroma/Sakpenwa, Rivers State; and the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences, Iyin Ekiti.
State-owned institutions such as Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Ekiti State University, Kwara State University, Adamawa State University, Rivers State University, and Sokoto State University also received grants. Several polytechnics and colleges of education were successful in the competitive process.
Encouraging Future Participation
Echono congratulated the successful institutions and researchers and announced that preparations for the 2026 NRF grant cycle would soon begin. He encouraged all Nigerian researchers to take advantage of future opportunities, assuring them of a transparent, competitive, and learning-focused process.
He added that the program was helping Nigerian researchers improve their competitiveness in securing international research grants. Grant administration is handled by a specialized committee comprising experienced researchers, industry representatives, and members of leading academic bodies. Disbursements are tied to performance milestones and monitored through approved work plans.
Accountability measures built into the system have prevented misuse of research funds despite challenges such as insecurity that have caused delays in some projects.
Innovations and Future Plans
Over the past three years, more than 55 patents have emerged from TETFund-supported research projects. Echono also announced plans for another National Research Fair in November to showcase research outputs and connect innovators with investors, financial institutions, manufacturers, and other stakeholders.
Responding to questions, Echono highlighted several innovations developed through TETFund-supported research, including food preservation technologies, mechanized gari processing systems, improved seed varieties, water purification systems, wind-powered energy technologies, hearing aids, electric vehicles, and locally manufactured fire engines.
He added that TETFund is working with institutions and manufacturers to accelerate the commercialization and large-scale adoption of locally developed technologies.
Challenges and Government Response
The tertiary education sector has faced persistent challenges, including limited research funding, inadequate infrastructure, and a growing need to align academic work with national development priorities. In response, the Federal Government, through TETFund, has increasingly expanded targeted interventions such as competitive research grants aimed at improving the quality and relevance of scholarly output.
