The Federal Government has approved N10 billion for the 2026 National Research Fund grant cycle of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund.
The allocation represents a 64.2 per cent increase from the N6.09 billion approved for 174 research projects under the 2025 cycle. TETFund announced the development in its 2026 National Research Fund Grant Cycle Call for Concept Notes. The document was signed by its Executive Secretary, Sonny Echono.
According to Echono, the increased funding will strengthen research and improve the capacity of Nigerian researchers. The agency will open its portal for concept-note submissions on August 31, 2026. Applicants will have until October 15 to submit their concept notes.
TETFund warned that it would not extend the submission deadline.
Research areas covered
The N10 billion fund will support research across 30 priority thematic areas. TETFund grouped the areas into three broad categories. They include Humanities and Social Sciences, Science, Engineering, Technology and Innovation, as well as Cross-Cutting research areas.
The agency said the grant process would begin with the submission of concept notes by Principal Investigators. Only applicants whose projects pass the initial assessment will move to the full proposal stage.
TETFund also encouraged multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary research. Such projects can involve researchers from different academic fields.
Who can apply?
Lecturers at public tertiary institutions across Nigeria are eligible to apply for the research grants. However, the Principal Investigator must be based at the institution submitting the application. The institution will serve as the coordinating body and guarantee the proper use of the funds.
Successful proposals will later go before the TETFund Board of Trustees for approval and disbursement.
Application process
TETFund said applicants must submit their concept notes through the National Research Fund portal. The National Research Fund Screening and Monitoring Committee will evaluate all submissions. Successful Principal Investigators will then receive invitations to develop and submit full proposals.
In addition, the Principal Investigator and at least one member of the research team may have to defend the proposed project before the committee. The agency said the process would help ensure that only strong and fundable research projects receive support.
