UAT Hosts Two-Day Workshop on Grant Writing to Strengthen Research Capacity

The University of Africa, Toru-Orua (UAT) has taken steps to boost its research capacity by organizing a two-day grant writing workshop for academic and non-academic staff.

The event was held on Tuesday, 9th, and Wednesday, 10th September 2025, at the ANAN Research Centre on the university campus, with participants drawn from all faculties.

According to the Information Unit of the university, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Solomon Tamarabrakemi Ebobrah, represented by the Dean of the Postgraduate School, Professor Demola Jolayemi, stressed that research grants are critical to driving innovation and academic development. He explained that the establishment of a Research Committee was part of management’s strategy to address this need, commending the committee’s decision to bring in Professor Dileep Kumar, Vice Chancellor of Hensard University, Toru-Orua, as the lead facilitator. Professor Kumar, an experienced scholar with multiple grants to his credit, delivered lectures on the fundamentals of research writing, the structure of grant applications, and the choice of data analysis methods.

Chairman of the Research Committee, Professor Francis Sikoki, in his welcome address, noted that the workshop aligned with the committee’s mandate to formulate policies, create guidelines, and organize staff training to meet UAT’s research needs. He expressed confidence that the program would position the university on a strong footing for future recognition in research and innovation at both national and international levels.

The second facilitator, Dr. Godwin Poi, Acting Director of the UAT Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, took participants through practical approaches to grant writing. He examined templates from various funding agencies and provided insights into tailoring proposals for successful outcomes.

Closing the workshop, the Registrar of UAT, Dr. Akpoebi Adesi, expressed optimism that the training would soon translate into successful grant applications by staff. He commended the Research Committee for delivering a program that was both timely and impactful.

Among those in attendance were the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Barclays Foubiri Ayakoroma, the University Librarian, Dr. Oyinkepreye Sawyerr-George, faculty deans, directors, heads of departments, professors, and other staff members.

The Information Unit of the University of Africa, Toru-Orua, confirmed that the workshop formed part of ongoing efforts to embed a culture of research excellence at the institution.