Ojukwu University Deputy Vice Chancellor and Team Secures $250,000 TETFund Grant
Deputy Vice Chancellor - Academics, Prof. Osita Chiaghanam and research team rom Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), win $250,000 grant from TETFund's Research for Impact Initiative .
Mary Nwaeze 
In a remarkable achievement, the Deputy Vice Chancellor - Academics, Prof. Osita Chiaghanam, along with a dedicated research team from Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), has secured the prestigious Research for Impact (R4I) Initiative grant from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund). The announcement was made during an elaborate inauguration and boot camp event held in Abuja on June 24th, 2024.
According to exclusive reports from COOUNewS, the groundbreaking collaboration between TETFund's Research for Impact Initiative and Innov8 Hub has culminated in awarding $250,000 in grants to four outstanding teams. This significant financial support comes from the esteemed Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI), a program designed to address pressing societal challenges through innovative research.
The selection process was notably rigorous, focusing on the teams' potential for commercialization, inclusivity, and socioeconomic impact. This e
mphasis underscores the initiative's commitment to creating sustainable ventures that tackle critical issues affecting communities.
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The SGCI is supported by prominent funders, including the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, IDRC-CRDI Canada, the National Research Foundation, SIDA, and DFG. The African Centre for Technology Studies (Kenya), the Association of African Universities (Ghana), and Université Cheikh Anta Diop are leading the initiative to enhance national research and innovation ecosystems across Sub-Saharan Africa.
TETFund's Executive Secretary, Sonny Echono, represented by Dr. Girei Bakari, highlighted the importance of local solutions and homegrown innovations in his address. He emphasized the crucial role that such initiatives play in addressing the challenges faced by communities and fostering sustainable development.
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Reacting to the announcement, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of COOU, Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, expressed her excitement and congratulated Prof. Chiaghanam and the research team. She encouraged other academic staff to strive for excellence, noting that securing research grants is essential for advancing the university's mission. Prof. Omenugha assured that the university would provide necessary support to anyone pursuing similar opportunities.
This achievement marks a significant milestone for COOU, highlighting the university's commitment to values, viability, and visibility in the realm of research and innovation. The grant will undoubtedly empower the research team to embark on projects that will have a lasting impact on society.
