TETFund Awards N7.5 Billion Research Grants to 174 Teams Under 2025 NRF Cycle By Akporido Beauty Aroh
The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has awarded research grants worth a total of N7.5 billion to 174 research teams under the 2025 National Research Fund (NRF) Grant Cycle, following what it described as a rigorous and highly competitive selection process.
Speaking at a press briefing at the TETFund Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, the Executive Secretary of the Fund said the successful proposals emerged after a comprehensive evaluation process conducted by the TETFund National Research Fund Screening and Monitoring Committee (NRFS&MC).
According to him, the selection process involved multiple stages, including the submission and assessment of concept notes, evaluation of full research proposals, physical oral defence sessions held in Abuja, and the final selection of successful projects.
He disclosed that the grants, awarded across key thematic areas critical to national development, ranged from N13.7 million to N49.98 million per research team.
The Executive Secretary explained that the funded projects span strategic sectors such as 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.
On institutional performance, the Federal University of Technology, Minna emerged as the highest beneficiary, securing 18 successful grants. It was followed by the Federal University of Technology, Owerri with 11 grants, while Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria obtained 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 secured five grants each.
The Fund also recorded notable participation from newly established federal universities. Beneficiaries include 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, all of which secured grants under the 2025 NRF cycle.
Several state-owned universities also recorded successes, 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 the polytechnics and tertiary institutions that secured grants are the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro; Federal Polytechnic, Bida; Federal Polytechnic, Nekede; Federal Polytechnic, Monguno; Federal Polytechnic, Ile-Oluji; Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi; Ramat Polytechnic, Maiduguri; and Yaba College of Technology.
The award of the grants underscores TETFund’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s research ecosystem, promoting innovation, and supporting evidence-based solutions to national development challenges through impactful academic research.
