FUT Minna, FUTO Top 2025 NRF Grant List as TETFund Disburses N7.5b

The Federal University of Technology, Minna and the Federal University of Technology, Owerri have emerged as the top beneficiaries of the 2025 National Research Fund (NRF) grant cycle, as the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) announced a total disbursement of N7.5 billion to 174 research projects nationwide.

Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja at a press briefing on the outcome of the grant cycle, following what he described as a rigorous and multi-stage evaluation process.

Echono explained that the selection involved screening concept notes, detailed assessment of full proposals, oral defence sessions in Abuja, and final approval by the TETFund National Research Fund Screening and Monitoring Committee.

“A total of 174 grants were awarded to various research teams across thematic areas of national priorities at a total sum of N7.5 billion,” he said.

He added that each grant was valued between N13,698,897.00 and N49,979,826.04, depending on scope and research requirements.

According to him, the funded projects cut across key national thematic areas including health and social welfare, agriculture and food security, natural resource management, science and engineering, power and energy, blue economy, clean energy, education, gender inclusion, as well as defence and security innovation.

In the ranking of beneficiary institutions, the Federal University of Technology, Minna led with 18 successful grants, followed by the Federal University of Technology, Owerri with 11. Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria secured 10 grants, while the University of Ilorin followed with 8. Bayero University, Kano and Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka each got 7.

Other top-performing institutions include the University of Jos with 6 grants, while the University of Ibadan, University of Lagos, and Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto each secured 5 awards.

Echono also highlighted the inclusion of newly established universities, noting that Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia; Federal University of Environment and Technology, Ogoni; and Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences, Iyin-Ekiti all recorded successful entries.

He further listed several state universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education among beneficiaries, including Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Ekiti State University, Kwara State University, Rivers State University, Yaba College of Technology, Kaduna Polytechnic, Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Federal Polytechnic Ilaro, and Osun State College of Education, Ilesa, among others.

Echono congratulated all successful institutions and research teams, describing the outcome as the result of a transparent and highly competitive process.

“This award marks the conclusion of the 2025 NRF grant cycle. We will soon commence the process for the 2026 cycle,” he said, urging researchers across tertiary institutions to take advantage of the opportunity and submit concept notes for the next round.

He reaffirmed TETFund’s commitment to strengthening research and innovation as key drivers of national development.