FUHSO Trains Researchers on Grant Proposal Development and Research Funding

The Directorate of Research and Innovation of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO), Benue State, has organised a one-day capacity-building programme aimed at strengthening the grant-writing and research proposal development skills of academic staff and researchers.

The training, held on June 23, 2026, at Lecture Hall B of the university’s Otada Campus, focused on research proposal development, budgeting, costing, and justification for grants.

Declaring the programme open on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Francis Aba Uba, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Friday Godwin Okibe, commended the Director of Research and Innovation, Professor Joseph A. Okopi, for initiating and organising the training.

Professor Okibe highlighted the importance of research proposal development in securing grants and attracting support from donor agencies and research sponsors.

According to him, successful proposal writing depends largely on collaboration and technical competence, expressing confidence that the training would equip participants with the practical skills needed to develop competitive research proposals.

The lead facilitator, Mrs. Esther Gofwan of the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), stressed the critical role of funding in research, noting that even the most innovative ideas may fail to achieve impact without adequate financial support.

She explained that costing is a key component of proposal development, adding that research expenses are generally divided into direct and indirect costs, both of which must be clearly articulated and justified in grant applications.

Mrs. Gofwan, an expert in research administration and grant management, urged participants to pay close attention to budgeting processes to improve their chances of securing research funding.

Also speaking at the training, the Director of Research and Innovation, Professor Joseph A. Okopi, delivered a lecture titled “The Anatomy of a Typical Research Proposal.”

During the session, he examined the essential components of a globally competitive research proposal and encouraged participants to develop strong proposal-writing skills.

Professor Okopi, a renowned virologist, emphasised that the objectives of any research project must align with its title and overall purpose.

He further noted that excellence in proposal writing is achieved through deliberate practice, skill development, and attention to detail rather than intelligence alone.

Participants also engaged the facilitators during an interactive session where practical solutions were provided to common challenges encountered in proposal development and grant applications.

The training attracted a wide range of participants, including the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Cecilia Ojabo, alongside teaching and non-teaching staff of the university.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Susan Unobe, who appreciated the university management, facilitators, and participants for contributing to the success of the training.

The initiative forms part of FUHSO’s efforts to strengthen research capacity, improve grant acquisition, and promote a culture of innovation and academic excellence within the institution.