TETFund opens N10bn 2026 grant for researchers (How to apply)

The Federal Government has approved N10 billion for the 2026 National Research Fund (NRF) grant cycle of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).

TETFund announced the funding in a call for concept notes signed by its Executive Secretary, Sonny Echono, on Saturday.

According to the agency, the 2026 grant will support research projects covering 30 priority thematic areas.

TETFund said the latest funding cycle follows the successful completion of the 2025 NRF programme, under which more than N6.09 billion was awarded to support 174 research projects.

For the 2026 cycle, the application process will begin with the submission of concept notes by principal investigators seeking funding for proposed research projects.

TETFund explained that only principal investigators whose concept notes are evaluated and found fundable will be invited to submit full research proposals.

Lecturers in public tertiary institutions across Nigeria are eligible to apply for the grant.

The agency said the entire application process would be conducted online.

Eligible applicants are required to visit the TETFund National Research Fund portal at nrf.tetfund.gov.ng to prepare and submit their concept notes.

Applicants have also been advised to carefully study the research brief and application guidelines before submitting their proposals.

All submitted concept notes will be assessed by the National Research Fund Screening and Monitoring Committee.

TETFund said the online portal will open for submissions on August 31, 2026, while the deadline for applications is October 15, 2026.

The 30 priority research areas are divided into three broad categories: Humanities and Social Sciences; Science, Engineering, Technology and Innovation; and Cross-Cutting Issues.

The cross-cutting areas include research into the blue economy, clean and affordable energy, entrepreneurship and wealth creation, among other priority areas.

The fund is expected to provide researchers in Nigeria’s public tertiary institutions with financial support to undertake research capable of contributing to national development and addressing key challenges across different sectors.

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