President Bola Tinubu has approved the sum of ₦13 billion for the establishment of National Research Fund (NRF) and the provision of Central Multipurpose Laboratories in selected universities across the country.
The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman disclosed this on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at the inauguration of the reconstituted TETFund National Research Fund Screening and Monitoring Committee (NRFS&MC) and the Technical Advisory Group (TAG).
Mamman who expressed gratitude for the investment, stated, “President Tinubu’s approval of ₦5 billion for NRF and ₦8 billion for Central Multipurpose Laboratories underscores his commitment to advancing research for national development.”
The Minister also received the report of the TETFund ad hoc Committee on Equipment Upgrade in Workshops and Laboratories.
Speaking during the inauguration of key committees, the Minister emphasised the importance of enhancing research capacity across various fields.
He highlighted the need to elevate academic publications in Nigeria and reduce reliance on foreign materials through initiatives like the Higher Education Book Development Project.
On his part, the Executive Secretary of TETFUND, Arc Sonny Echono, praised the expertise of the committees in driving the implementation of the National Research Fund and urged them to uphold credibility in their assignment:
“The NRF has awarded 912 research grants totaling ₦24,021,679,195.88 since its inception in 2009, promoting applied research and innovation in public tertiary institutions”, he said.
