The Federal Government has approved a grant of ₦4.249 billion to fund 158 research projects across Nigerian universities and institutions under the 2024 cycle of the TETFund National Research Fund (NRF).
The fund, administered by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), is aimed at advancing innovation, science, technology, and scholarship across critical sectors. A total of 6,944 research proposals were received, out of which only 158 were approved for funding.
Breakdown by thematic areas:
Science, Engineering, Technology & Innovation (SETI): ₦2.35 billion
Humanities & Social Sciences (HSS): ₦1.03 billion
Cross-Cutting Research: ₦870.7 million
Top benefiting institutions:
Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMinna): 15 projects – ₦400 million+
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (ABU): 13 projects – ₦359.8 million
Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA): 12 projects – ₦341.6 million
Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO): 11 projects – ₦256.4 million
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU): 10 projects – ₦273.4 million
University of Ilorin (UNILORIN): 8 projects – ₦220.5 million
Support for Innovation Hubs and Entrepreneurship Centres:
In addition, the Federal Government, through TETFund, has earmarked funds under the 2025 Intervention to establish or strengthen Innovation Hubs and Entrepreneurship Centres in 15 institutions.
₦1 Billion Each:
Federal University Dutse
University of Uyo
University of Ibadan
₦750 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, Aleibiri
Federal Polytechnic, Ede
Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo
College of Education (Technical), Kabba
Enugu State College of Education (Technical), Enugu
FUTMinna and Federal Polytechnic Bida were among the top-performing institutions in the highly competitive process, emerging successfully from a pool of nearly 7,000 proposals.
Source: TETFund – August 5, 2025
