FUTMINNA Emerges Top Institution in TETFund 2025 NRF Grants, Wins 18 Research Awards

The Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA) has emerged as the highest performing institution in Nigeria under the 2025 National Research Fund (NRF) Grant Cycle, securing 18 research grants, the highest number awarded to any tertiary institution in the country.

The result was announced by the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arc. Sonny S. T. Echono, FNIA during a press briefing held on Thursday, 11 June 2026, at the Fund's Headquarters in Abuja.

 According to him, a total of 174 research grants valued at N7.5 billion were awarded to research teams across Nigerian tertiary institutions following a rigorous and highly competitive selection process.

Speaking further, the Executive Secretary disclosed that FUT, Minna emerged as the highest beneficiary institution, securing 18 research grants ahead of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, which secured 11 grants. Other institutions that performed strongly in the exercise include Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, 10 grants; the University of Ilorin, eight; Bayero University, Kano and Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka seven each; the University of Jos, six; while the University of Ibadan, University of Lagos Akoka and Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto recorded five grant each.

The grants span several priority areas critical to national development, including Health and Social Welfare, Agriculture and Food Security, Sustainable Use of Natural Resources and Terrestrial Ecosystems, Science and Engineering, Power and Energy, Blue Economy, Innovation and Technology in National Defence Capabilities, Clean and Affordable Energy, Education and Human Capital Development, Gender, Equity and Social Inclusion, as well as Conflict, Defence and Security.

The National Research Fund grant process involved the submission and evaluation of concept notes, assessment of full proposals, oral defence presentations before expert panels, and final selection by the TETFund National Research Fund Screening and Monitoring Committee.

TETFund congratulated all successful institutions and research teams, noting that the award concludes the 2025 NRF Grant Cycle while preparations for the 2026 cycle will commence shortly. The Fund also encouraged researchers across Nigerian tertiary institutions to take advantage of future opportunities by submitting concept notes for consideration under subsequent grant cycles.

The Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Prof. Faruk Adamu Kuta, while commenting on the University's performance, said the success reflects the depth, quality, and relevance of research being conducted by staff and researchers of the institution. 

He explained that it also demonstrates the institution's strong commitment to tackling pressing national and global challenges through innovative research outputs and evidence based approaches.

Prof Kuta further noted that the milestone strengths FUT, Minna's position as one of Nigeria's foremost research intensive universities and highlights its expanding capacity to attract high-level research funding aimed at advancing knowledge, innovation and national development.