UNILAG Enhances Skills of Emerging Researchers in Grant Writing and Research Commercialization
UNILAG Enhances Emerging Researchers
Faith Orji 
The Research Management Office (RMO), led by Professor Timothy Nubi, recently conducted a two-day workshop at the Tayo Aderinokun Lecture Theatre in UNILAG, Akoka. The workshop took place from Monday, October 23, to Tuesday, October 24, 2023, and was dedicated to early-career researchers.
Titled "Building Grant Writing and Research Commercialization Skills – A Practical Approach," the workshop commenced with a warm welcome from the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics & Research), Professor Bola Oboh. She emphasized that the workshop aimed to equip early-career researchers with the capacity to craft compelling grant proposals, setting the stage for successful grant acquisition.
Prof. Oboh
In her words, Professor Oboh explained, "This two-day workshop is designed to educate early-career researchers on the essential components of a strong research grant proposal and to ignite their enthusiasm for proposal writing."
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Professor Nubi, the Director of RMO and the UNILAG Centre of Housing and Sustainable Development (CHSD), further underlined the practical nature of the workshop. He announced that on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, participants would receive approximately 20 calls for grant applications, urging them to select three or four calls for in-depth group work discussions. Professor Nubi encouraged participants to take grant writing seriously, highlighting the numerous benefits associated with securing grants.
Prof. Nubi
Professor Taibat Lawanson, Co-Director of CHSD, initiated the workshop presentations with a discussion on "Planning and Developing a Fundable Research Proposal." She stressed that a research proposal is a persuasive document, written directly to a specific organization or funding agency, with the aim of securing support by presenting a well-considered plan to advance a valuable cause. She emphasized that the success of grant applications heavily depends on the quality of the proposal.
Prof. Lawanson
Professor Lawanson also underscored that grant writing is a skill honed over time and encouraged participants to persist despite rejections, saying, "Rejections are inevitable, but your response to them is what truly matters." She highlighted the importance of tailoring proposals to the needs of the funders and delved into the key characteristics and components of a research proposal, offering valuable insights on how to create a fundable proposal.
Professor Olumide Ige, from the Department of Social Sciences Education, followed with "Planning and Developing a Fundable Research Proposal II." He provided a detailed explanation of the structure and elements of a research proposal, emphasizing the significance of the concept note and the pivotal role it plays in grant success. Additionally, Professor Ige stressed the importance of a captivating proposal title, a direct problem statement, clear goals, and alignment with the funder's requirements.
Prof Ige
Professor Olufemi Saibu, Director of Quality Assurance and SERVICOM, shared his expertise in research proposal writing and introduced a five-way test for crafting a successful proposal, comprising content sincerity, budget integrity, team competence, institutional credibility, and conflict of interest. The workshop also addressed grant-related queries, legalities, contracts, team leadership, Central Research Committee (CRC) grants, and administrative costs associated with grants.
Prof Saibu
Furthermore, Professors Kolawole Oyedeji and Dr. T. Odugbemi from the Faculty of Science and College of Medicine, respectively, provided valuable insights into Ethical Considerations in Research.
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The second day of the workshop involved practical sessions. Dr. Waziri Adisa, from the Department of Sociology, presented on "Grant Strategy, Administration Management." Acting Director of the Innovation and Technology Management Office, Dr. Gbenga-Ilori, covered "Research Commercialization," while Professor M. O. H. Amuda, Director of the Centre for Information and Technology System (CITS), shared thoughtful remarks on research commercialization.
The workshop concluded with a guided discussion on budgeting, led by Senior Research Fellow Dr. Patrick Okonji, and closing remarks delivered by Chief Accountant Mr. Taiwo Alabi.
Mr Taiwo Alabi
