Building a Greater UNIZIK Through Research and Innovation
UNIZIK Targets More National Research Fund Success Through Trainings
Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, has intensified efforts to strengthen its research capacity and improve its success in the TETFund National Research Fund (NRF), as the Directorate of Research and Innovation, in conjunction with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), organised a one-day workshop on winning the TETFund National Research Fund and Innovation Fair.
The workshop, titled “Winning the TETFund National Research Fund and Innovation Fair,” featured experts and NRF Principal Investigators who provided participants with practical guidance on securing research funding, developing competitive proposals and translating research into innovations with societal and commercial value.
Declaring the workshop open, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Anyaehie, reaffirmed the University’s commitment to building a greater UNIZIK through research and innovation, stressing that universities must develop solutions to societal challenges. He noted that the University had improved its performance in the National Research Fund and expressed optimism that the current research drive would yield even better results.
The Vice-Chancellor highlighted some of the University’s research and innovation initiatives, including efforts to develop biodegradable sachet water, drone technology for oil pipeline surveillance, locally produced metering systems, lithium batteries for electric vehicles and the conversion of plastic waste into useful products. He also disclosed plans for a talent hunt aimed at identifying innovative ideas beyond the conventional university community and transforming such ideas into practical solutions.
Earlier, the Director, Research and Innovation, Prof. Azubike Josiah Ekpunobi, said the workshop was designed to equip researchers with the skills required to succeed in national research funding competitions. He said the programme would cover concept-note development, proposal writing, collaboration, the review process, intellectual property rights and innovation development.
Prof. Ekpunobi noted that about 92 UNIZIK researchers were involved in the last NRF cycle through various research teams, expressing the hope that the University would improve its performance in the current cycle and secure more awards. He also announced the forthcoming second TETFund International Research Fair, where selected innovations from the University would be showcased.
In his keynote address, the former Vice-Chancellor of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Prof. Chinedum U. Nwajiuba, urged researchers to intensify their research activities and improve the visibility of the University in national and international rankings. Speaking on “Winning the TETFund National Research Fund and Innovation Fair,” he stressed the need for researchers to focus on clearly defined problems and develop solutions capable of addressing societal needs.
Prof. Nwajiuba also encouraged researchers to participate in the second TETFund National Research Fair and Exhibition scheduled for November 24–27, 2026, at the Abuja Trade and Convention Centre. On the 2026 NRF Concept Note call, he advised prospective applicants to study the guidelines carefully, follow instructions strictly, build diverse research teams involving younger academics and mentees, assign clear responsibilities to team members and work collaboratively within their institutions as these would help their Concept Notes stand out and increase their eligibility.
He cautioned that concept notes could be disqualified for violating prescribed requirements, including submitting budgets outside the approved range of ₦5,000,001 to ₦70 million, exceeding the 1,500-word limit, submission by barred or non-beneficiary institutions, submission by Vice-Chancellors, or PIs who had not closed out their previous grants, among others.
Also speaking on the topic “NRF Portal,” the Dean, Faculty of Engineering, Prof. Ugochukwu C. Okonkwo, took participants through the workings of the NRF portal, explaining the process from account registration, preparation and submission of concept notes, sorting and allocation to assessors, evaluation and invitation of successful Principal Investigators to submit full proposals.
He further explained the subsequent stages, including submission and reception of full proposals, sorting and allocation to assessors, evaluation and scoring, defence for successful full proposals, TETFund Board approval and eventual grant award. He took time to explain each stage of the process on the portal, from the creation of an account as a new user to the final stage of submission.
In his speech, the ASUU Chairman, Comrade Innocent Nnubia, said the union was pleased to partner with the Directorate of Research and Innovation, describing the initiative as part of efforts to promote the welfare and professional development of members. He noted that improved research and grant performance was essential to the University’s aspiration to compete globally and encouraged participants to take full advantage of the training.
The workshop also featured an exhibition of research innovations from different units of the University, showcasing the practical application of research to societal needs. The exhibits included products developed from waste materials by the Chemical Engineering team, led by Dr S. John; Igbo cultural artefacts displayed by the Igbo Departmental team, led by Fellow C. Chinweze; and sustainable bioresearch and agricultural technologies presented by the Ebenebe team, led by C. I. Ebenezer, among others.
The workshop drew a number of dignitaries, including the Chairman of the occasion, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academics, Prof. Alex Asigbo; Engr. Prof. Ngozi Elichukwu; and Associate Prof. Kingsley Agu, among others.
← Back to News
