TETFund: FUTMinna tops as FG approves ₦4.2bn for 158 research projects in 2024

TETFund: FUTMinna tops as FG approves ₦4.2bn for 158 research projects in 2024

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