By Olasunkanmi Olajide & Femi Dansu
The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), has celebrated 37 Scholars as they receive the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) approval for their Institution-Based Research (IBR).
Prof. Mutiu Busari, the Director, Directorate of Research, Innovations, and Partnership (DRIP), announced this recently during an official interaction between the awardees and the Vice-Chancellor.
Although the University had submitted forty-two applications to TETFund, only thirty-seven were approved, Prof. Busari stated.
In his congratulatory message, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, acknowledged the individuals whose projects received approval, noting that 60% of the funds allocated by the Federal government were granted to ensure timely and judicious utilisation.
The Vice-Chancellor disclosed that the five applications not approved failed to adhere to the guidelines, restating the importance of following the specified procedures.
He assured that the funds, securely stored in a Treasury Single Account (TSA), would be utilised judiciously. Prof. Kehinde urged the affected Scholars to urgently present their requests for fund utilisation to evade the rising inflation rate of 27.33% which is projected at 40% by year-end.
Highlighting TETFund’s insistence on accountability, Prof. Kehinde stressed the need for Scholars to publish their research findings in reputable journals and make a tangible impact on the community.
He revealed the establishment of the University Research Committee (URC), tasked with monitoring activities and reporting to both the University Management and TETFund.
Addressing potential challenges, the Vice-Chancellor welcomed an open approach and cited TETFund’s recommendation for the University to continue its impactful contributions.
He shared insights from a recent meeting with the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, where discussions centred on enhancing the effectiveness of the Agricultural Media Resources and Extension Centre (AMREC) in research dissemination were looked into.
In his response, Prof. Mutiu Busari extended gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor, while appreciating the University Research Committee (URC) for their commendable efforts.
