TETFund Awards N7.5 Billion Research Grants to 174 Nigerian Research Teams
By Telescope News
Source: Adapted from the National Universities Commission (NUC)
The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has approved N7.5 billion in research grants for 174 research teams drawn from universities and other tertiary institutions across Nigeria under the 2025 National Research Fund (NRF) programme.
The funding follows a rigorous selection process involving the submission of concept notes, detailed research proposals and oral defence sessions conducted in Abuja.
Announcing the development at a press briefing in Abuja, TETFund Executive Secretary, Arc. Sonny Echono, said the successful projects were selected after an extensive evaluation by the National Research Fund Screening and Monitoring Committee (NRFS&MC).
Research Targets Key National Development Sectors
According to Echono, the funded research projects cover strategic sectors considered vital to Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
These include:
- Health
- Agriculture and food security
- Education
- Energy
- Science and engineering
- National defence
- Technology and innovation
- Blue economy
- Conflict resolution
- Gender inclusion
- Environmental sustainability
He noted that each research team will receive between N13.69 million and N49.98 million, depending on the scale, quality and national relevance of the approved projects.
“A total of 174 grants were awarded to various research teams across thematic areas of national priority at a total sum of N7.5 billion,” Echono said.
FUT Minna Tops Beneficiary Institutions
Among the institutions that secured the highest number of grants, the Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUT Minna) emerged as the leading beneficiary with 18 successful research grants.
Other top-performing institutions include:
- Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) – 11 grants
- Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria – 10 grants
- University of Ilorin – 8 grants
- Bayero University, Kano – 7 grants
- Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka – 7 grants
- University of Jos – 6 grants
- University of Ibadan – 5 grants
- University of Lagos – 5 grants
- Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto – 5 grants
New Federal Universities Also Benefit
Echono disclosed that several newly established federal universities also secured grants under the 2025 National Research Fund.
They include:
- Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia
- Federal University of Environment and Technology, Koroma/Saakpenwa, Ogoni
- Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences, Iyin-Ekiti
The TETFund boss described the outcome as evidence of the growing research capacity across Nigeria’s tertiary education system and reaffirmed the Fund’s commitment to supporting innovative research capable of addressing national challenges and driving sustainable development.
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