The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has taken a significant step towards enhancing research capabilities in Nigerian universities. The organization has inaugurated an ad hoc committee tasked with the establishment of central multipurpose laboratories in select universities across the country. This move aligns with TETFund’s commitment to providing the necessary infrastructure to promote research and development (R&D) in Nigeria.
The committee was officially inaugurated by the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, during a ceremony held in Abuja on Monday. Speaking at the event, Echono emphasized the crucial role that research and its commercialization play in driving economic growth and prosperity globally. He stressed the importance of developing human capital and providing sustainable research infrastructure to support innovative R&D, which are essential for accelerated national development and global competitiveness.
Evidencing its commitment to promoting research, TETFund has allocated substantial funding towards research programs and projects. Thus far, the organization has awarded 727 research grants to researchers from public tertiary institutions, amounting to over N18 billion under the National Research Fund (NRF). These grants support applied research in various academic disciplines and contribute to addressing national challenges.
Furthermore, Echono highlighted how TETFund has provided resources to support groundbreaking research endeavors in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the lack of adequate laboratory infrastructure has been a significant hurdle for researchers. By establishing central multipurpose laboratories, TETFund aims to bridge this gap and provide researchers with the necessary facilities to conduct cutting-edge research.
In his acceptance speech, the committee’s chairman, Mr. Bamiro, expressed his gratitude to Echono for his foresight in establishing the committee. He affirmed the team’s readiness to take on the assigned task and enhance research and training in Nigeria.
The committee comprises esteemed members from various academic backgrounds, including Professor Ekanem Braide, Professor Joseph Ahaneku, Professor Suleiman Mustapha, Professor Yusuf Saidu, Professor Nasir Isa Fagge, Professor Abubakar S. Sambo, Professor Ibrahim Katampe, and Mallam Buhari Mikailu. This diverse group of experts is expected to provide valuable insights and recommendations to ensure the successful establishment of the central multipurpose laboratories.
