The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has awarded research grants worth N7.5 billion to 174 research teams across Nigerian tertiary institutions under the 2025 National Research Fund (NRF) Grant Cycle, after a highly competitive selection process.
Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arc Sonny Echono, disclosed the outcome of the grant cycle at a press conference in Abuja.
Echono said the grants were approved after extensive screening, evaluation and oral defence sessions conducted by the TETFund National Research Fund Screening and Monitoring Committee (NRFS&MC).
He explained that the competitive selection process involved the submission and evaluation of concept notes, assessment of full research proposals, physical oral defence in Abuja and eventual selection of successful projects.
“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,” he said.
According to him, the grants awarded to successful teams ranged from N13.7 million to N49.98 million, covering critical sectors of national development.
The funded projects span thematic areas including 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, as well as conflict, defence and security.
Echono noted that the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s broader objective of leveraging research and innovation as catalysts for economic transformation.
“We believe strongly that if we can harness the intellectual talents in our tertiary institutions and deploy them efficiently, we will better utilize our natural resources, create new products and services, grow our economy, create jobs for millions of our youths and improve the standard of living of our people,” he said.
He added that research-driven innovation remains the foundation upon which countries such as Singapore, South Korea, Brazil, India and China achieved rapid economic growth and technological advancement.
The Executive Secretary disclosed that the Federal University of Technology, Minna emerged as the highest beneficiary institution with 18 successful grants, followed by the Federal University of Technology, Owerri with 11 grants, while Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria secured 10 grants.
Other top-performing institutions include the University of Ilorin with eight grants; Bayero University, Kano and Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka with seven grants each; the University of Jos with six grants; while the University of Ibadan, University of Lagos and Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto recorded five grants each.
Echono also highlighted the participation of newly established federal universities among the beneficiaries, including the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia; the Federal University of Environment and Technology, Koroma Saakpenwa, Ogoni; and the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences, Iyin-Ekiti.
Several state-owned institutions also secured grants, among them Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Ekiti State University, Kwara State University, Adamawa State University, Rivers State University and Sokoto State University.
Polytechnics and colleges of education also featured among successful beneficiaries, including Federal Polytechnic Ilaro, Federal Polytechnic Bida, Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Yaba College of Technology, Kaduna Polytechnic, College of Education Katsina, Osun State College of Education Ilesa and Isa Kaita College of Education, Dutsin-Ma.
Speaking on the impact of TETFund-supported research, Echono disclosed that several projects funded by the agency have already been commercialised or adopted by industry.
He revealed that over 55 patents have emerged from TETFund-supported research efforts in the last two years, with some attracting international investors and commercial partnerships.
Among the notable innovations cited were improved technologies for preserving perishable agricultural produce, modern solar-powered gari processing systems, high-yield seed varieties, water purification solutions, renewable energy innovations and hearing aid technology now set for large-scale manufacturing in the United States.
“There are a whole range of products that have come from this research. Some are already in the market without people knowing, while others are moving into manufacturing and commercial production,” he said.
The TETFund boss further disclosed that the agency is strengthening efforts to bridge the gap between researchers and industry by creating platforms for investors, manufacturers and innovators to collaborate.
According to him, TETFund would host another National Research Fair in November where researchers from across the country will showcase innovations, prototypes and commercially viable products to potential investors, financial institutions and industry stakeholders.
Addressing concerns about possible misuse of research funds, Echono said the grant system incorporates strict monitoring mechanisms, milestone-based disbursement and supervision by experienced researchers and industry experts.
He explained that funds are released in tranches based on measurable progress and approved work plans, making diversion of grants difficult.
While acknowledging occasional delays caused by security challenges, personnel changes and fieldwork constraints, he maintained that the fund has not recorded significant cases of outright misappropriation of research grants.
Congratulating the successful institutions and research teams, Echono described the award as the culmination of a transparent and competitive process.
“The Fund wishes to congratulate the institutions and the research teams that emerged successfully after such a rigorous and competitive selection process,” he said.
He added that preparations for the 2026 National Research Fund Grant Cycle would commence shortly and encouraged scholars and researchers across Nigerian tertiary institutions to take advantage of the opportunity by submitting concept notes when the call opens.
“The Fund will soon commence the process for the award of the 2026 NRF Grant Cycle. I wish to call on our scholars and researchers from our various tertiary institutions who want to participate in the National Research Fund grants to take advantage of this opportunity and submit their Concept Notes for the 2026 Grant Cycle,” he stated.
