The Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has announced the release of the results of the 2025 National Research Fund (NRF) Grant Cycle, with a total of 174 research grants valued at N7.5 billion awarded to research teams across Nigerian tertiary institutions.

Speaking during a press briefing at the TETFund Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, June 11, 2026, the Executive Secretary said the grants were awarded following a rigorous and competitive selection process conducted by the TETFund National Research Fund Screening and Monitoring Committee (NRFS&MC).

According to him, the selection process involved the submission and evaluation of concept notes, assessment of full research proposals, physical oral defence sessions in Abuja, and the final selection of successful projects.

The grants, which range from N13.7 million to N49.98 million per project, are targeted at addressing key national development priorities. The funded research projects cover thematic areas including health and social welfare, agriculture and food security, sustainable use of natural resources and terrestrial ecosystems, science and engineering, power and energy, blue economy, innovation and technology in national defence capabilities, clean and affordable energy, education and human capital development, gender equity and social inclusion, as well as conflict, defence and security.

Among the institutions that emerged as top performers in the 2025 NRF grant cycle are Federal University of Technology, Minna with 18 successful grants, followed by Federal University of Technology, Owerri with 11 grants and Ahmadu Bello University with 10 grants.

Other high-performing institutions include University of Ilorin with eight grants, Bayero University Kano and Nnamdi Azikiwe University with seven grants each, while University of Jos secured six grants. Both University of Ibadan and University of Lagos won five grants each, alongside Usmanu Danfodiyo University.

The Fund also recorded the participation of newly established institutions, including Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, Federal University of Environment and Technology, Koroma Saakpenwa, and Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences, Iyin-Ekiti, all of which secured research grants.

Several state-owned universities also emerged among the beneficiaries, including Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Ekiti State University, Kwara State University, Adamawa State University, Rivers State University, and Sokoto State University.

The list of successful polytechnics includes Federal Polytechnic Ilaro, Federal Polytechnic Bida, Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Federal Polytechnic Moguno, Federal Polytechnic Ile-Oluji, Federal Polytechnic Bauchi, Ramat Polytechnic, Yaba College of Technology, Kaduna Polytechnic and Umaru Ali Shinkafi Polytechnic.

Among the Colleges of Education that secured grants are College of Education Katsina, Osun State College of Education and Isa Kaita College of Education.

The Executive Secretary congratulated the successful institutions and research teams, describing the awards as a testament to the quality and relevance of research being undertaken in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.

He further disclosed that the conclusion of the 2025 grant cycle paves the way for the commencement of the 2026 NRF Grant Cycle, urging scholars and researchers across the country’s tertiary institutions to take advantage of the opportunity by submitting concept notes for consideration.

He reiterated TETFund’s commitment to promoting cutting-edge research and innovation aimed at addressing Nigeria’s developmental challenges and driving sustainable national growth.