FUTMINNA Holds Workshop on Writing Fundable TETFund NRF Concept Notes
FUTMINNA Holds Workshop on Writing Fundable TETFund NRF Concept Notes
UmarFarouk123 
The Directorate of Research, Innovation and Development (DRID), Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA), has organised a workshop to enhance the capacity of academic staff in developing fundable TETFund National Research Fund (NRF) concept notes.
The workshop, held on Monday, July 6, 2026, at the SICT Lecture Theatre, Main Campus, attracted Deans, Heads of Departments, academic staff and postgraduate students across the University.
Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Faruk Adamu Kuta, while declaring the workshop open, described research as the foundation of quality teaching and impactful community service. He urged participants to apply the knowledge gained by producing high-quality concept notes and sharing the skills with colleagues. He also commended DRID and the Research Proposal and Appraisal Committee (RPAC) for organising the workshop.
In his overview, Director of DRID, Prof. Chiemela Enyinnaya Chinma explained that a concept note is a concise document outlining a research idea and stressed that successful proposals must be innovative, focused, credible and aligned with national development priorities. He encouraged schools and departments to establish internal review committees to ensure submissions meet NRF guidelines.
The workshop featured presentations by experts on key components of a fundable concept note.
The Chairperson, Research Proposal Appraisal Committee(RPAC), Prof. Helmina O. Akanya discussed research titles, thematic areas and common mistakes to avoid, while Prof. Evans Egwim focused on research background, problem statement, objectives and research questions, emphasising that TETFund supports research that addresses national challenges.
Other presentations included literature review and theoretical framework by Prof. Abdulsalami S. Kovo; budgeting by Prof. Ambali S. Abdulkareem; methodology, expected results and research team by Prof. Jimoh O. Tijani; innovation by Prof. Taye E. Adejumo; and the NRF scoring template by Deputy Director, DRID, Prof. Lanre Olatomiwa.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Prof. Helmina O. Akanya, Chairperson of RPAC, appreciated the University Management, DRID, facilitators and participants for contributing to the success of the workshop.
