Nigeria: President Tinubu Approves ₦5 Billion Research Fund for Public Tertiary Institutions

By Aminu Adamu

Abuja, Nigeria – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved ₦5 billion through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to support research initiatives in public tertiary institutions across Nigeria. The announcement was made by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, during the 2024 National Research Fair and Exhibition organized by TETFund in Abuja.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Alausa emphasized the administration's commitment to fostering innovation and addressing critical national challenges through targeted investments in research. “This ₦5 billion fund will empower our researchers, engineers, and innovators to develop solutions for critical areas such as power, healthcare, agriculture, water supply, and communications,” the Minister said.

Dr. Alausa also noted that the research fund would not rely solely on government financing. “We are leveraging resources from the public, private, and international sectors to ensure sustainable support for these projects. Collaboration is key to driving impactful research outcomes,” he explained.

The event brought together academics, researchers, and industry stakeholders, all of whom lauded the initiative as a game-changer for Nigeria’s education and innovation sectors.

The Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, expressed his gratitude to President Tinubu for his continued support of education and research. “This initiative underscores the President’s understanding of the transformative power of research. With this funding, we aim to create solutions that address pressing national challenges and enhance Nigeria's global competitiveness,” Echono remarked.

Participants at the fair showcased innovative projects aimed at addressing various societal issues. Dr. Ibrahim Salihu, a researcher in renewable energy, highlighted the significance of the funding.

“Access to adequate research funding has always been a challenge. This initiative will enable us to scale up our work and develop practical solutions for Nigeria’s energy sector,” he said.

Industry representatives also welcomed the move, stressing the importance of academia-industry collaboration. “Research must transcend laboratories and provide tangible benefits to society. This funding opens doors for public-private partnerships that can accelerate the development of solutions in critical sectors,” said Grace Onwuka, an agricultural technology expert.

As the event concluded, Dr. Alausa reaffirmed the government’s dedication to promoting research and innovation as key drivers of economic growth and development. “This administration recognizes that knowledge is power. Through strategic investments like this, we are laying the groundwork for a brighter future for Nigeria,” he stated.

The ₦5 billion research fund is expected to catalyze transformative projects, fostering innovation and positioning Nigeria as a leader in addressing global challenges through homegrown solutions.