ACU Reviews Research Proposals for ₦45 Million Council Grant to Drive National Development

Ajayi Crowther University has commenced the evaluation of research proposals for its ₦45 million Council Research Grant, supporting innovative projects in mental health, agriculture, technology, education and national development.

The management of Ajayi Crowther University (ACU), Oyo, has commenced the evaluation of research proposals submitted for the second edition of the Ajayi Crowther University Council Research Grant (ACUCRG 2), reaffirming its commitment to promoting impactful research capable of addressing critical national and societal challenges.

The exercise formed part of the university’s efforts to strengthen its research culture and ensure that projects funded through the institution’s internal grant scheme deliver measurable benefits to communities, industries and public policy. The review session brought together all applicants seeking funding under the N45 million research initiative approved by the University’s Governing Council.

Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ebunoluwa Oduwole, who chaired the review meeting, said the university was committed to ensuring that research conducted by its scholars goes beyond academic publications to produce practical solutions that improve lives and contribute to national development.

She explained that the evaluation process was designed to subject every proposal to rigorous academic scrutiny, enabling researchers to refine their ideas, strengthen their methodologies and improve the potential impact of their studies before the final selection of successful projects.

Rather than serving merely as an assessment exercise, the session became an interactive mentorship programme where researchers defended their proposals before a panel of senior academics, received constructive feedback and were guided on how to improve the competitiveness and relevance of their submissions.

The N45 million research fund was approved by the university’s Governing Council under the leadership of the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Dr. Olutoyin Okeowo, as part of efforts to reposition Ajayi Crowther University as a leading centre for teaching, innovation and solution-oriented research in Nigeria.

University authorities explained that the grant scheme seeks to encourage lecturers and researchers to undertake studies capable of solving pressing economic, educational, health, agricultural, technological and environmental problems confronting the country.

The proposals submitted for consideration reflected the institution’s multidisciplinary research strength. Among them was a study led by Prof. Olukayode Binuyo focusing on the prevalence of depression among tertiary institution students in South-West Nigeria, aimed at generating evidence that could improve mental health interventions within higher education.

Another proposal examined occupational stress among security personnel, while another research team proposed an investigation into substance abuse among undergraduates in selected faith-based universities with the objective of identifying preventive strategies for addressing drug use among young people.

Agricultural research also featured prominently during the review, with one proposal seeking practical methods for reducing post-harvest losses in tomatoes. The project is expected to support food security, improve farmers’ incomes and reduce waste across agricultural value chains.

Other submissions explored technology-driven solutions, including the design and implementation of robotic systems to promote environmental sustainability, while another team proposed the establishment of a mushroom cultivation and research facility that would support food production, entrepreneurship and scientific research within the university.

Addressing the applicants, Prof. Oduwole encouraged researchers to develop proposals that not only demonstrate academic quality but also provide realistic solutions to societal challenges. She urged scholars to align their research with national development priorities and produce findings capable of influencing policy, industry and community development.

She further reminded participants that academic excellence in a faith-based institution should be complemented by strong moral values and ethical responsibility, stressing that research should contribute positively to society while reflecting integrity and professionalism.

Other members of the review panel included the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Afolake Olabinwonninu; Prof. Clement Tella of the Department of Chemical Sciences; the Dean of the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Prof. Moses Akiibinu; and the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof. Joseph Ibikunle. The Acting Director of Research, Innovation and Linkages, Dr. Babajide Ajayi, coordinated the presentations made by the applicants.

The university noted that the Ajayi Crowther University Council Research Grant is supported through the LAIBONK Research and Development Initiative in collaboration with the university management, with the objective of strengthening research capacity, encouraging innovation and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration among scholars.

With the second edition of the grant now undergoing evaluation, Ajayi Crowther University says it expects the successful projects to generate research outputs that will contribute to knowledge, address national development priorities, enhance the institution’s academic reputation and reinforce its vision of becoming one of Nigeria’s foremost centres for impactful research and innovation.