TETFund earmarks N3bn for high impact research

The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), has earmarked the sum of N3 billion to support high impact research for beneficiary tertiary institutions under the National Research Fund to boost industrial development, this was announced by the Executive Secretary, Dr. Abdullahi Bichi Baffa. Speaking to journalists  in Abuja, the TETFund boss said the beneficiary institutions academics […]

The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), has earmarked the sum of N3 billion to support high impact research for beneficiary tertiary institutions under the National Research Fund to boost industrial development, this was announced by the Executive Secretary, Dr. Abdullahi Bichi Baffa.
Speaking to journalists  in Abuja, the TETFund boss said the beneficiary institutions academics in universities can get allocation to the tune of N15 million and N10 million for academics in polytechnics and colleges of education.
Baffa explained that the research grants were awarded to qualified scholars after their proposals had gone through rigorous screening and vetting process and recommended by the authority in charge of the process.
He said staff that were pursing higher degrees and conducting research were supported as well as independent researchers and groups that have not reached the level to access the national research fund.
“Research is one of our focal areas of intervention and we are determined that we support cutting edge research that will lead to turning around the fortunes of this country; researches that will be translated into industrial production that will improve our efficiencies,” he said.
He maintained that such researches would translate to easing the lives of citizens that would produce frontline deliverables that would be reached by Nigerians.
“The more we industrialise, the more we create jobs, develop and attain economic prosperity and the more the dream of being an advanced country will be facilitated,” Baffa also said.
He however noted that there was no plan to extend intervention to private institutions, saying, “for this fund to continue to make the impact  it is making on our higher education landscape, we will need to further concentrate on the institutions stipulated in the Act.”