Researchers from the Federal University of Technology Akure, FUTA have won 17 grants out of the 185 research proposals scheduled for funding under the 2023 Grant Cycle by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund’s (TETFund) National Research Fund (NRF) initiative. FUTA, with 17 grants, posted one of the best showings among other Universities with its researchers winning funding grants to the tune of N426,656,552.45.
TETFund’s Director of Public Affairs, Abdulmumin Oniyangi. While disclosing the winners said they were selected following the report of the TETFund National Research Fund Screening and Monitoring Committee, NRFS&M and the approval of the Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman. He said for the current grant cycle N5.1 billion will be released for the funding of 185 successful research proposals. He said the successful research proposals were picked after a rigorous screening exercise, “that commenced in March 2023 with the receipt of 4,287 concept notes from prospective applicants.” He said the research funding is in continuation of the government’s efforts aimed at boosting research and development for economic and technological development in Nigeria as enunciated in the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration.
The Vice Chancellor of FUTA, Professor Adenike Oladiji, has described the success of FUTA in the 2023 grant cycle of the NRF as a major validation of the institution’s reputation as a research intensive University. “We are proud that our institution is living up to its billing as a research intensive University with researchers ensuring that we live up to our motto of Technology for Self-Reliance. I am sure that our researchers will acquit themselves creditably well and deliver research findings and products that will contribute to the growth of the ivory tower and development of our country. I congratulate all the Principal Investigators and their internal and external collaborators and wish them resounding success in the tasks ahead”, the Vice Chancellor said.
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The Director, FUTA Centre for Research and Development ,CERAD Professor Kenneth Alaneme said the University Researchers will deliver creditably well on the projects. According to him,"FUTA through its Centre for Research and Development (CERAD) has a robust mechanism of ensuring that the project deliverables are achieved in terms of quality, project duration, and strict adherence to project budgetary provisions. Through its project implementation workshops for new awardees, project monitoring and evaluation, and financial control, the University has always delivered on funded projects (local and international). This has contributed to the high research reputation of the university."
The National Research Fund (NRF) Grant was introduced by TETFund to encourage cutting-edge research aimed at exploring research areas relevant to societal needs of Nigeria, such as power and energy, health, security, agriculture, employment, wealth creation, etc., in line with the agency’s mandate. “The intervention received additional impetus under the Renewed Hope Agenda as a veritable tool to grow the economy and improve the standards of living of the Nigerian people.”
The Grant Winners
Principal Investigator Research Topic
1. Prof. D.V. Adegunloye Evaluation of Indigenous Electrogenic Bacteria Involved in Bioremediation and Bioelectricity Generation Using Petrochemical Waste and Microbial Fuel Cells
2. Dr. G.B. Iwasokun A Multi-Modal Biometrics Model for Remote and Supervision of Computer-Based Examination
3. Prof. O.S. Adewale Innovative Approach to Electronic Voting System for a Credible Election in Nigeria Using Machine Learning and Visual Semagram
4. Dr. O.O. Ojo Ballistic and Structural Integrity Assessment of Alumina and Waste Tyre-Based Composites for Prefabricated Military Cabin Application
5. Dr. E.O. Olutomilola Development of Microwave Hybrid and Localized Heating technique as a Welding Method Using Susceptors Processed from Indigenous Trees
6. Prof. T.J. Fola-Adebayo Promoting National Integration in Nigeria: Developing Frameworks for Identifying, Analyzing and Reducing/Countering the Fake News Epidemic as Strategies
7. Dr. J.M. Jabar Microwave-Supported Extraction of Natural Dyes from Selected Plants for Greener and Sustainable Textiles Colouring and Yoghourt Functionalisation
8. Prof. A.N. Kolawole Management of Cowpea Storage Bruchids Infestation in Nigeria Cowpea: Trehalase Inhibition Perspective
9. Prof. M.B. Oyun Integrated Soil Fertility Management for Smallholder Farming Communities in Southern and Northern Nigeria
10. Dr. O.A. Adu Sustainability of Poultry Industry in Nigeria Using Nutrient-Enriched Cassava Peels as Feed Ingredients
11. Prof. J.T. Fasinmirin Agronomic Practices for Mitigating Arsenic Bioaccumulation in Rice Grains Across Rice Production Zones in Nigeria
12. Prof. T.A. Olusi Effectiveness of Plasmodium Falciparum Histidine-Rich Protein 2 (Pfhrp) rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) and Microscopy in the Detection of Falciparum Malaria in Symptomatic Patients in Southwest Nigeria
13. Prof. O.E. Oladipo Development of Semiochemical-Based Attractants for the Management of Infestation of Cowpea Weevils (Callosobruchus Maculatus Fab.) of Cowpea (Vigna Unguiculatua F.)
14. Prof. M.O. Ashamo Biomonitoring of Water Quality and Microplastics Pollution in Freshwater Ecosystems in Southwest Nigeria Using Aquatic Insects
15. Prof. C.O. Adedire Sustainable Management of Insect Pests of Cocoa and Citrus Using Food Baits and Pheromone Traps
16. Dr. E.P. Oladele Development of Starch Modification Methods for the Production of Antidiabetic Yam Flour
17. Prof. T.I. Ogedengbe Development of a Process Plant for Refining Crude PKO and Investigation of Local Substitutes as Process Agents
