By Mariam Abeeb
The Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI) has awarded a $250,000 grant to four innovative research teams in Nigeria.
This followed the successful implementation of the Research for Impact Initiative (R41) under the auspices of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) where four teams were shortlisted to advance their developed ideas through a collaborative research grant established under SGCs with Innov8 Technology Hub as the technical partner.
The grant originates from the SGCI, a multi-funder initiative aimed at strengthening the capacities of 17 Science Granting Councils (SGCs) in sub-Saharan Africa.
It would be recalled that TETFund is one of 17 members of the Sub-Saharan Africa Science Funding Councils Initiative (SGCI) which seeks to strengthen Science Financing Councils in supporting research and evidence-based policies that contribute to the socioeconomic development of countries.
At the project inauguration and initial bootcamp of SGCI funding in Abuja on Monday, Dr. Saliba Girei Bakare, the director of research and development, TETFund said, though Nigeria joined the SGCI in 2020—five years after the program’s inception—the impact of this collaboration is poised to be transformative.
According to Bakare, the $250,000 grant will support four Nigerian research teams, each working on projects with the potential to drive significant change.
Among these initiatives are advancements in the processing of garri, a staple food, and pioneering efforts in renewable energy, amongst others.
He said the funding aims to bridge the gap between research and practical application, fostering innovations that can be commercialized.
