The Vice-Chancellor, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Professor Abu Kasim Adamu, has challenged the institution researchers to prepare and submit at least fifteen strong research concept notes for the upcoming grant opportunities.

He emphasized that the target should be to secure a minimum of ten grants, if not all fifteen.

Professor Adamu gave the challenge in the wake of the University’s disappointing performance in the 2023/2024 TETFund National Research Fund (NRF) grant competition, where IBBUL failed to secure any grant.

In contrast, other institutions secured multiple grants, leaving IBBUL behind in a highly competitive research landscape.

Expressing his dismay, Professor Adamu pointed out the need for more rigorous preparation and attention to detail in the grant application process, noting that he is deeply concerned about the recent performance in securing research grants, while other universities were winning ten or more.

“This is a wake-up call for us all. The scientists must rise to the occasion and ensure that this does not repeat itself”, he advised

He further encouraged all prospective grant applicants to take full advantage of the resources available to them and urged them to engage with resource persons who had successfully won various national and international grants, to gain insights and improve their own proposals.

“Ask questions, seek guidance, and learn from those who have succeeded. This is how we will improve and make our mark in the research community,” Professor Adamu said.

Meanwhile the Coordinating Director of Research and Development, Professor Nuhu George Obaje, also expressed concern over the University’s recent performance in the recent TETFund NRF grant competition.

He called on researchers to pay close attention during the workshop, emphasizing the importance of crafting well-thought-out research concept notes.

Professor Obaje who is the NNPC Chair Professor of Basinal Studies, said that the fact that they did not win any grants in the recent competition is a matter of serious concern which does not reflect well on the University, especially given the track record of securing both national and international research grants in the past.

“This workshop is an opportunity for the researchers to learn how to avoid past mistakes and improve their chances of success”, he said.

In their separate presentations, some senior researchers from the University, Professor Lawal Folorunsho Lawal, Professor Margaret Agu, Professor Naomi Dadi Mamud, Professor Victor Kolawole and Dr Ishaq Yusuf explained that to secure a TETfund National Research Fund (NFR), researchers must adhere to a structured approach when drafting their concept notes.

They all remarked that highlighting the essential components for a successful proposal include a clear title that encapsulates the essence of the research and comprehensive details about the research team, including the names, affiliations, and contact information of the Principal Investigator and Co-investigators, as well as a brief overview of their expertise relevant to the project should be carried out.

Also that the introduction and background should provide context for the research problem, explaining its significance within the field and highlighting the gaps in existing knowledge or literature that the research aims to address. A clear problem statement is crucial, outlining the importance of the issue and the potential impact of resolving it.

Researchers are also expected to clearly define the objectives of the study, including both broad goals and specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) objectives.

The proposal, they further highlighted, should include key research questions or hypotheses that the study will explore, supported by a brief literature review that identifies gaps in current research.

The methodology section should detail the research design, study area, data collection methods, and data analysis techniques. Ethical considerations, such as informed consent and data confidentiality, must also be addressed.

Expected outcomes and their potential impact on policy, practice, or future research should be clearly articulated, along with a detailed work plan and timeline outlining the phases of the research, milestones, and deliverables.

A comprehensive budget with justification for each item is necessary, along with plans for sustainability and dissemination of results.

Finally, the concept note should conclude by summarizing the significance of the research and reiterating why the project deserves the grant. Researchers should ensure their proposal is clear, concise, and aligned with TETFund’s priorities, emphasizing innovation and the potential for significant contributions to the field.