By Lydia Legbo
The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Prof. Faruk Adamu Kuta, has stressed the centrality of research in the university system, describing it as the most critical of the three foundational pillars of higher education, teaching, research, and community service.
He made this assertion while declaring open a sensitization workshop on National Research Fund (NRF) Concept Note and Proposal Writing, organized by the Directorate of Research, Innovation and Development (DRID), held on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at the SICT Lecture Hall, Main Campus.
“Of the three pillars, research is the most vital,” Prof. Kuta said. “To succeed in research, one must undergo rigorous training in writing compelling proposals that can win competitive grants.” He emphasized that the University is taking deliberate steps to promote a robust research culture, noting that “engaging in research means developing innovative ideas that will impact society and improve lives.”
Prof. Kuta further stated that the University’s Conditions of Service are being reviewed to reflect the growing importance of research, especially as it relates to academic staff promotions. “We must shift from the static and embrace dynamic reforms that elevate the role of research,” he added.
The VC charged participants to take full advantage of the workshop, urging them to return to their departments and centers to mentor younger colleagues in grant writing. “Speak less, listen more, and ask constructive questions. The ultimate goal is for FUT Minna to triple last year’s number of research grant submissions to international, national, and donor agencies,” he said.
He also noted that globally, research is the key driver of development. “While developed countries thrive on a knowledge based economy, we continue to borrow and import even basic items. With our abundant resources, we must build capacity to transform raw materials into finished products through research and innovation,” he stated.
Prof. Kuta proudly disclosed that FUT Minna secured the highest number of NRF grant awards in the latest TETFund results, a total of 15, which he described as evidence that the University’s commitment to research is bearing fruit.
In his welcome remarks, the Director of DRID, Prof. Chiemela Enyinnaya Chinma, highlighted the importance of continuous sensitization workshops to sustain the University’s growing success in research grant acquisition. He urged participants to actively engage in the workshop sessions.
While giving an overview of the NRF Concept Note, Prof. Chinma emphasized the importance of clarity and innovation in research communication. He described the concept note as a concise outline of the proposed research project, which must align with national or global challenges.
Chairperson of the Research Proposal Appraisal Committee (RPAC), Prof. Helmina O. Akanya, in her presentation titled Crafting a Compelling Title for Successful NRF Grant Application, stressed the significance of a well-framed title. According to her, “The research title must immediately convey the purpose of the study, attract attention, and reflect the project’s goals.”
She advised avoiding vague language and excessive jargon while ensuring the title highlights the uniqueness and impact potential of the proposed project.
In his presentation on Literature Review and Theoretical Framework, the Director of the Academic Publishing Centre, Prof. Kovo Abdulsalami Sanni, outlined key components of the concept note. These include the title, thematic area, estimated budget, research background, problem statement, objectives, research questions, literature review, and theoretical framework.
He advised that literature reviews must strike a balance not too broad to lack focus, nor too narrow to prevent meaningful research questions. The theoretical framework, he explained, serves as a visual and conceptual guide to how the research problem will be explored.
Speaking on Budget Preparation for Concept Note and Full Proposal, Prof. Jimoh O. Tijani of the Department of Chemistry, emphasized the importance of a realistic, well structured budget. He noted that budget items should cover personnel, equipment, lab consumables, data collection, analysis, travel, and dissemination. He reminded participants that the NRF funding ceiling is ₦50 million.
In his paper on Research Methodology, Innovation, Research Team and References,
Prof. Abdulkareem Ambali Saka of the Department of Chemical Engineering outlined the stages of managing research projects, from defining needs to citing resources. He also addressed the importance of mentorship, describing it as a tool for transferring knowledge, strategic insight, and professional growth.
Representing Prof. Egwim Evans, Dr. David Michael presented a paper on Writing the Core of Concept Note From Background to Expected Outcomes. He defined the research background as a broad, informative overview that precedes the problem statement, which should be narrow, specific, and urgent.
Prof. Lanre Olatomiwa, Deputy Director of DRID, presented the NRF Concept Note Scoring Template, explaining the criteria assessors use in evaluating proposals. These include research significance, potential for scientific breakthroughs, team competency, project relevance, and budget realism.
He also identified common reasons proposals fail: poorly stated objectives, mundane topics, unrealistic budgets, weak methodology, lack of originality, and disconnection between the title and content.
The presentation session concluded with questions and answers
In her vote of thanks, Prof. Akanya appreciated the Vice-Chancellor and Management for their support and commended the resource persons for their expertise and participants for their active involvement. She encouraged attendees to apply the knowledge gained and foster collaboration in developing winning research proposals.
photo credit: Lekan Oshindare
