Four Nigerian research teams have been awarded $250,000 grants by the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI). This funding aims to bolster research and innovation within Nigeria, fostering scientific advancements and addressing pressing local challenges.
The SGCI, which collaborates with several African countries, including Nigeria, provides financial support and strengthens the capacities of research councils to manage research funds, design research programs, and foster partnerships. The initiative’s ultimate goal is to promote the utilization of research and innovation to address development challenges and drive economic growth.
TETFund, one of the 17 members of the Sub-Saharan Africa Science Funding Councils Initiative, aims to enhance the capacity of Science Financing Councils in supporting research and evidence-based policies that contribute to socioeconomic development.
During the project inauguration and initial bootcamp of the SGCI funding in Abuja on Monday, Dr. Saliba Girei Bakare, the director of research and development at TETFund, emphasized Nigeria’s significant progress since joining the SGCI in 2020. Although Nigeria joined the initiative five years after its inception, the collaboration is expected to yield transformative impacts.
Dr. Bakare highlighted that the $250,000 grant will support four Nigerian research teams, each undertaking projects with the potential to drive substantial change. This funding will bolster their research efforts, addressing critical local challenges and contributing to the nation’s development goals.