TETFund: FG Approves N4.2 Billion in Research and Innovation, Establishing 18 New Entrepreneurship Hubs
TETFund: FG Approves N4.2 Billion in Research and Innovation, Establishing 18 New Entrepreneurship Hub
The federal government has approved a grant of N4.2 billion to fund 158 research projects across Nigerian tertiary institutions under the 2024 cycle of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) National Research Fund.
By Hannatu Lot
The Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration has announced a significant investment in research and innovation, approving a N4,249,626,817.69 grant for 158 research projects and the establishment of 18 new Innovation and Entrepreneurship Hubs across Nigeria.
The approval followed recommendations by the TETFund National Research Fund Screening and Monitoring Committee after a rigorous evaluation of 6,944 submitted concept notes from researchers nationwide.
According to a statement released on Tuesday by the Director of Public Affairs, Abdulmumin Oniyangi, on behalf of the Executive Secretary, Sonny Echono, the disbursement covers three thematic areas. “The sum of N2,349,951,630.43 was approved for Science, Engineering, Technology and Innovation; N1,028,966,204.32 for Humanities and Social Science; while Cross Cutting research projects received N870,708,982.94,” the statement said.
National Research Fund (NRF) Grant:
The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) National Research Fund (NRF) 2024 Grant Cycle has awarded funding to 158 research proposals selected from 6,944 initial submissions.
The funding is broken down as follows:
*Science, Engineering, Technology, and Innovation (SETI):** N2,349,951,630.43
*Humanities and Social Science (HSS): N1,028,966,204.32
*Cross Cutting (CC):** N870,708,982.94
Top recipient institutions include:
*Federal University of Technology, Minna: 15 awards (N400,035,708.51)
*Ahmadu Bello University: 13 awards (N359,809,744.18)
*Federal University of Technology, Akure: 12 awards (N341,608,592.80)
*Federal University of Technology, Owerri: 11 awards (N256,350,698.80)
*Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi: 10 awards (N273,406,318.80)
*University of Ilorin: 8 awards (N220,538,834.12)
Research projects encompass diverse areas, including sustainable housing, fertilizer development, intelligent robotics for agriculture, AI-enabled medical monitoring, and intelligent energy metering.
The NRF aims to foster research relevant to Nigeria’s societal needs, aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda’s focus on economic growth and improved living standards.
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Innovation and Entrepreneurship Hubs:
The government has also approved contracts for the construction of 18 Innovation and Entrepreneurship Hubs across all six geopolitical zones.
These hubs will feature core labs and workstations equipped for electronic engineering, 3D printing, laser technology, product design, robotics, coding, and artificial intelligence.
The hubs aim to translate research findings into practical solutions for the Nigerian innovation ecosystem.
Further Investment in Innovation Hubs:
An additional N5 billion has been allocated in the 2025 TETFund Intervention to 15 institutions to further support the creation of Innovation Hubs and Entrepreneurship Centres. Funding allocations are as follows:
*N1 billion each: Federal University Dutse, University of Uyo, University of Ibadan
*N750 million each: Federal Polytechnic Bida, Taraba State Polytechnic, Jalingo, Adamawa State Polytechnic, Yola, Nuhu Bamali Polytechnic, Zuru, Kano State Polytechnic, Kano, Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Uwana, Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi, Bayelsa State Polytechnic, Aliebiri, Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, College of Education (Technical) Kabba, and Enugu State College of Education (Technical) Enugu.
