FUTMinna Hosts Capacity-Building Workshop to Boost International Collaborative Research Grants

The Directorate for Research, Innovation and Development (DRID), Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA), has organised a two-day capacity-building workshop for academic staff and postgraduate students on securing international collaborative research funding and grants.

The workshop, titled "Strengthening International Collaborative Research Funding and Grants," was held from June 1-2, 2026, at the SICT Lecture Theatre, Main Campus.

Declaring the workshop open on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Faruk Adamu Kuta, the Chairman of the Research Project Appraisal Committee (RPAC), Prof. Helmina O. Akanya, described grant acquisition as critical to addressing societal challenges, enhancing institutional visibility, and improving university rankings. 

She noted that the programme was designed to equip researchers with the skills needed to identify funding opportunities, develop competitive proposals, and attract national and international grants.

Earlier, the Director of DRID, Prof. Chiemela Enyinnaya Chinma, said the workshop was aimed at strengthening research capacity, improving the University's global visibility, and increasing the success rate of grant applications through international collaboration. 

He acknowledged the University's progress in attracting research grants while emphasising the need for sustained efforts.

The facilitator, Prof. Oghenekaro Nelson Odume of Rhodes University, South Africa, delivered presentations on developing successful collaborative research projects and writing winning grant proposals.

 He highlighted the importance of innovation, strong partnerships, effective project implementation, risk management, sustainability planning, and stakeholder engagement in securing competitive research funding.

Prof. Odume also stressed the need for projects to generate measurable impacts on society, the environment, the economy, and scientific advancement.

In her vote of thanks, Prof. Akanya commended DRID for organising the workshop, appreciated the Vice-Chancellor's commitment to research development, and expressed confidence that the knowledge gained would enhance participants' ability to attract more competitive research grants for the University.

Photo Credit Elijah Yisa