VC urges varsities to access TETFund’s NRF, IBR grants

VC urges varsities to access TETFund’s NRF, IBR grants

BY Yusuf Issa An-Nuphawi

The Vice-Chancellor of Azman University, Kano, Prof. Fatima Batul Mukhtar, has called on universities to explore funding opportunities such as the National Research Fund (NRF) and Institution-Based Research (IBR) provided by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).

Prof. Fatima made the appeal while addressing scholars during the 8th and 9th Combined Convocation Lecture of the Federal University Dutse (FUD), Jigawa State. The event’s theme was “Harnessing Research and Innovation for Sustainable Development in Nigeria: The Role of Higher Education Institutions.”

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As the Chairperson of the prestigious convocation lecture, Prof. Fatima emphasized the importance of research in national development, citing global institutions like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Wageningen University (Netherlands), and the University of Oxford (UK), which have carved out research niches and made significant societal impacts.

Prof. Fatima, who is also a former Vice-Chancellor of FUD, highlighted the groundbreaking health research achievements of Redeemer’s University, Nigeria, and the University of Cape Town, South Africa.

She urged the government and private sector to collaborate in strengthening research ecosystems—from funding and infrastructure to policy engagement and industry partnerships.

Prof. Fatima stated: “Let me be clear: research for its own sake is no longer enough. We must prioritize applied, problem-solving research—rooted in our realities and aimed at measurable social impact. We must empower our youth, faculty, and institutions to be daring, creative, and collaborative.”

“Fortunately, TETFund is supporting research and innovation by providing infrastructure, equipment, and grants. These interventions aim to generate marketable inventions and address national needs. The two key funds are the National Research Fund (NRF) and Institution-Based Research (IBR). I sincerely hope FUD will leverage these opportunities, just as ABU Zaria, UDUS, FUT Minna, ATBU, and UNIbadan have done. If Redeemer’s University can achieve this, FUD can too—with proper planning and organization,” she urged.