The Federal Government has approved over N4.2 billion to support 158 research projects across Nigerian tertiary institutions, in a major push for academic research and innovation.
The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) announced the funding under the 2024 National Research Fund Grant Cycle.
The grants followed a rigorous screening of nearly 7,000 proposals, with over N2.3 billion allocated to projects in science, engineering, technology and innovation.
Topping the list of beneficiaries are the Federal University of Technology, Minna; Ahmadu Bello University; and the Federal University of Technology, Akure.
Approved projects include research on eco-friendly housing, AI-powered health monitoring for military use, and intelligent energy management systems.
The government also approved the establishment of 18 innovation and entrepreneurship hubs in TETFund beneficiary institutions.
Each hub, to receive up to N1 billion, will feature advanced labs for robotics, AI and 3D printing to promote local innovation and entrepreneurship.
