05/10/2026
Benue South Academics Receive Training on TETFund Research Grants.
Academics from tertiary institutions across Benue South Senatorial District, also known as Zone C, have received intensive training on developing competitive research proposals to access the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) National Research Fund (NRF) and other national and international research funding opportunities.
The two-day workshop, held from October 2 to 3, 2026, at the GRA Campus of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO), was organised by the League of Idoma Professors (LIP), Ochetoha K’Idoma, and the Apa Education Foundation (AEF).
The workshop, themed “From Ideas to Funded Research,” was designed to strengthen the capacity of researchers in the zone to develop competitive proposals and improve their chances of securing research grants.
The programme featured lectures and practical sessions on the TETFund National Research Fund, grant writing, concept-note development, proposal preparation and other research funding opportunities.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor (Academic), FUHSO, Professor Friday Godwin Okibe, who represented the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Francis Aba Uba, stressed the need for researchers to develop proposals that could attract funding while addressing pressing societal challenges.
Professor Okibe also encouraged greater collaboration among researchers and institutions, noting that multidisciplinary partnerships could enhance the quality, relevance and competitiveness of research proposals.
Also speaking, Professor Yakubu Aboki Ochefu, Professor of Economic History and Development Studies at Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi, and President of Ochetoha K’Idoma, observed that the success rate of researchers from Zone C in securing TETFund National Research Fund grants remained low.
He noted that fewer than 10 scholars from the zone had reportedly secured NRF grants over a five-year period, describing the situation as a challenge that required deliberate intervention.
Professor Ochefu stressed the need for sustained mentorship, stronger research networks and greater collaboration among scholars and institutions in the zone.
In a goodwill message, the Publicity Secretary of Ochetoha K’Idoma, Mr. Echofu Agada, commended the organisers and congratulated the selected participants.
He said the programme was designed to promote academic development and generate resource benefits for the community and beyond, urging participants to remain committed to the lectures and practical sessions.
Professor Tonie Okpe, Professor of Sculpture at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, provided an overview of the TETFund National Research Fund, highlighting the importance of creativity, innovation and originality in research.
Professor Okpe also stressed the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence, the need to avoid plagiarism, the importance of multidisciplinary and gender-sensitive research teams, and strict compliance with NRF requirements to prevent disqualification.
In his session, titled “The Anatomy of a Winning Concept Note,” Professor Okpe advised researchers to make their concept notes systematic, attractive and engaging, while clearly demonstrating the societal relevance of the proposed research and adhering to the prescribed structure.
Similarly, Professor Samuel Odu Odeh, Professor of Human Physiology at the University of Jos (UNIJOS), in his session, “NRF Grant Writing Training,” focused on identifying genuine research problems and developing research ideas from clearly established societal and knowledge-based challenges.
Professor Odu introduced the “5 Whys” approach as a tool for identifying the underlying causes of problems. He stressed the importance of establishing clear knowledge gaps and demonstrating how proposed research would address them.
He also cautioned participants against plagiarism, fabrication and falsification of research information.
The workshop featured practical group exercises during which participants developed and presented research concept notes for review. Facilitators provided feedback on their research questions, objectives, methodology and expected outcomes.
In the penultimate lecture, Professor Okpe addressed the topic “From Concept Note to Full Proposal,” introducing the SMART framework — Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound — as a guide for developing clear and effective research objectives.
The final lecture, “Beyond NRF,” was delivered by Professor Ochefu, who exposed participants to broader funding opportunities available to Nigerian and African scholars.
He encouraged researchers to understand the research funding landscape, identify suitable funders and make effective use of funder directories and online funding portals.
Professor Ochefu stressed that the NRF should be regarded as a starting point and urged researchers to progressively build their capacity, strengthen professional networks and pursue diversified national and international funding opportunities.
Also speaking, Professor Joseph A. Okopi, Professor of Virology and Director of Research and Innovation (DRI), FUHSO, and a recipient of several research grants, encouraged young and emerging researchers to remain persistent despite setbacks in securing research funding.
Drawing from his experience, Professor Okopi maintained that perseverance had contributed significantly to his success in securing research grants.
He urged researchers to explore diverse funding opportunities, strengthen their proposal-writing skills and continue pursuing funding opportunities despite rejection.
The workshop ended with the presentation of certificates to participants.
Information Public Relations and Protocol Unit FUHSO
October 5, 2026
Photo Credit: Mrs.Maria Agada & Emmanuel Ajenkele
