The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved a new $500 million annual research and innovation fund aimed at strengthening the country’s research capacity and supporting national development.
The initiative, called the National Research and Innovation Development Fund, is expected to provide sustainable financing for research, innovation, and the commercialisation of discoveries across universities, research institutes, public agencies, and the private sector.
Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, announced the decision after the Federal Executive Council meeting held on April 30, 2026. According to him, the fund will help reduce duplication, improve coordination, and ensure that research priorities respond directly to Nigeria’s development needs.
The fund will operate through a competitive, merit-based process. Proposals will be reviewed by technical committees and expert panels, while beneficiary institutions will be required to submit annual reports and meet performance benchmarks.
The initiative will focus on key national priorities, including food security, health, environmental sustainability, innovation, and industrial development.
The Federal Executive Council also approved a policy regulating the award and use of honorary degrees by Nigerian universities. Under the new policy, honorary degrees must be clearly labelled as honorary or honoris causa, and recipients must not present them as formal academic qualifications. Misrepresentation may be treated as academic fraud.
Source: News Agency of Nigeria / Peoples Gazette.
