Federal Government, through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), has awarded N7.5 billion in grants to 174 research teams across tertiary institutions in Nigeria to address national development needs.

Making the disclosure, while announcing the outcome of the 2025 National Research Fund (NRF) Grant Cycle in Abuja, Executive Secretary of TETFund, Mr. Sonny Echono, explained that the grants were awarded after a rigorous screening and selection process conducted by the TETFund National Research Fund Screening and Monitoring Committee (NRFS&MC).

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“A total of 174 grants were awarded to various research teams across the thematic areas of national priorities at a total sum of N7.5 billion.

“The amount awarded per grant to the various research teams ranges from N13,698,897.00 to N49,979,826.04,” Echono said.

According to him, the competitive selection process involved the submission and evaluation of concept notes, followed by full proposals, oral defence in Abuja, and eventual selection of successful research projects.

Echono explained that the thematic areas covered by the grants include Health and Social Welfare, Agriculture and Food Security, Sustainable Use of Natural Resources and Terrestrial Ecosystems, Science and Engineering, Power and Energy, Blue Economy, Innovation and Technology in National Defence Capabilities, Clean and Affordable Energy, Education and Human Capital Development, Gender, Equity and Social Inclusion, and Conflict, Defence and Security.

He said the research grants are aimed at transforming Nigeria from an import-dependent economy into a nation that designs, develops and produces what it needs.

“This will lead to the creation of employment because, as the economy grows we create more opportunities. It will also lead to improvement in standards of living.” Echono stated.

The TETFund boss listed the top-performing institutions under the 2025 NRF grants to include; the Federal University of Technology, Minna (18); Federal University of Technology, Owerri (11); Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (10); University of Ilorin (8); Bayero University, Kano (7); Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (7); University of Jos (6); University of Ibadan (5); University of Lagos (5); and Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (5).

He noted that newly established federal universities won grants, including the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia; Federal University of Environment and Technology, Koroma Saakpenwa, Ogoni; and Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences, Iyin-Ekiti.

According to him, several state-owned institutions also secured grants, including Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Ekiti State University, Kwara State University, Adamawa State University, Rivers State University and Sokoto State University, among others.

Polytechnics that benefited include; Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro; Federal Polytechnic, Bida; Federal Polytechnic, Nekede; Federal Polytechnic, Mogaji; Federal Polytechnic, Ile-Oluji; Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi; Ramat Polytechnic, Maiduguri; Yaba College of Technology; Kaduna Polytechnic; and Umaru Ali Shinkafi Polytechnic, Sokoto.

Colleges of Education that won grants include the College of Education, Katsina; Osun State College of Education, Ilesa; and Isa Kaita College of Education, Dutsin-Ma.

Echono congratulated the successful institutions and research teams, noting that the award marks the conclusion of the 2025 NRF grant cycle.

“The Fund wishes to congratulate the institutions and the research teams that emerged successfully after such a rigorous and competitive selection process. This award marks the end of the selection process for the 2025 NRF grant cycle.”

He also stated that the Fund would soon commence the 2026 NRF grant cycle, just as he encouraged researchers to take advantage of the opportunity.