FUOYE researchers win N89.9m FG grants

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Four academics at the Federal University Oye-Ekiti have secured a total of ₦89.964m in National Research Fund grants from the Federal Government to undertake innovative research projects aimed at addressing critical socio-economic, educational and healthcare challenges in Nigeria.

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The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Prof. Joshua Ogunwole, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists on Monday, describing the feat as another milestone in the institution’s growing profile as a research-driven university.

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According to the statement, the successful beneficiaries emerged after a competitive National Research Fund selection process, with their projects focusing on unemployment, artificial intelligence in education, pharmaceutical innovation and healthcare.

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Leading the list of awardees is Prof. Omotosho Babatunde Joshua, whose research project titled “Towards Addressing Unemployment Situation in Nigerian Formal Labour Market” attracted a grant of ₦19.964m.

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Also among the beneficiaries is Dr Adeniyi Bolajoko Florence, a Reader in the Department of Educational Management, who secured ₦20m for her study, “From Chalkboards to Intelligent Systems: Comparative Analysis of Traditional and AI-Driven Teaching in Nigerian Federal Universities for Global Competitiveness.”

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Similarly, Dr Ojo Stephen Kayode, a Reader in the Department of Microbiology, received ₦21 million for his research project, “Development of Innovative Cosmetic Formulations Using Fungal Melanin for Hair Growth Enhancement, Follicle Preservation, and Dandruff Management.”

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Another recipient, Dr Adeleye Olutayo Ademola, a Reader in the Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, secured ₦29 million for his research titled “Combating Diabetic Wounds Using Natural Remedy with Ethosomal Hydrogel Topical Delivery.”

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The university said the grants underscore FUOYE’s growing reputation as a centre for high-impact research, with its academics developing practical solutions to some of Nigeria’s pressing socio-economic and public health challenges.

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Reacting to the development, Ogunwole congratulated the four scholars for bringing honour to the institution through their outstanding research achievements.

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He said, “The grants are evidence of the quality of scholarship in the university. Our management is also committed to creating an enabling environment for cutting-edge research, innovation, and academic excellence.

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“This feat further reflects FUOYE’s rising profile as a centre of research excellence, expressing confidence that the projects would produce impactful findings capable of addressing pressing national challenges and enhancing the university’s global visibility.”

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The Vice-Chancellor described the grants as a clear reflection of the high-quality research being undertaken at the university, noting that the achievement further demonstrates FUOYE’s increasing success in attracting competitive national research funding.

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He added that the institution remains committed to promoting impactful research capable of driving national development, fostering innovation and enhancing Nigeria’s global competitiveness.

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