The Federal Government has announced the allocation of over N24 billion towards 912 research grants awarded to researchers from public tertiary institutions. This significant investment was highlighted by the Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, during the inauguration of the reconstituted TETFund National Research Fund Screening and Monitoring Committee (NRFS&MC) and the Technical Advisory Group (TAG) on Higher Education Book Development in Abuja.
Minister Mamman emphasized the continued commitment of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) in sponsoring Institution-Based Research (IBR). The aim is to revive the quality of research among lecturers in tertiary institutions and help them build capacity for advanced research. “To strengthen this intervention and deepen its impact, I have approved an upward review of the funding ceiling per IBR project from ₦2 million to ₦5 million for science-based research and ₦4 million for humanities and social science research in line with current realities,” Mamman stated.
He further disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved substantial funding to bolster research initiatives and infrastructure in universities across the country. Specifically, N5 billion has been allocated to the National Research Fund (NRF), and an additional N8 billion has been designated for the provision of central multipurpose laboratories in select universities. These allocations are part of numerous other groundbreaking projects under the 2024 intervention budget.
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“This is indeed a strong demonstration of His Excellency’s commitment to the promotion of research activities in our tertiary institutions to support national development,” Mamman remarked, underscoring the administration’s focus on enhancing the research capabilities of public tertiary institutions.
The reconstituted TETFund National Research Fund Screening and Monitoring Committee (NRFS&MC) and the Technical Advisory Group (TAG) on Higher Education Book Development are expected to play pivotal roles in the efficient disbursement and monitoring of these funds. These bodies are tasked with ensuring that the research grants are utilized effectively to foster innovation, drive academic excellence, and contribute to national development.
By increasing the funding limits and expanding the scope of research support, the government aims to address contemporary challenges faced by researchers, particularly in the sciences, humanities, and social sciences. The revised funding strategy reflects an understanding of the evolving needs of academic research and the necessity for more substantial financial backing to achieve significant breakthroughs.
This initiative is part of a broader strategy to elevate the standards of higher education in Nigeria, making it more competitive globally. The enhanced funding is expected to facilitate high-impact research that can address pressing national issues, foster sustainable development, and contribute to the global body of knowledge.
In conclusion, the federal government’s investment in research grants is a testament to its dedication to academic advancement and national development. By empowering researchers with the necessary resources, the government is laying the groundwork for a more robust and innovative educational sector, capable of driving progress and development across various fields.
