The Bayelsa State Government has strengthened its support for research and innovation in tertiary institutions by disbursing research grants to 16 teams from three state-owned universities under the Tertiary Institutions Research Grant Scheme (TIRGS).
The grants were presented on Friday by the Bayelsa State Education Development Trust Fund (EDTF) to researchers from Niger Delta University (NDU), Bayelsa Medical University (BMU) and the University of Africa, Toru-Orua (UAT). The EDTF identifies research grants and TIRGS among its programmes for supporting tertiary education in the state.
Key Highlights
- 16 research teams from Bayelsa’s three state-owned universities received grants.
- The beneficiaries are from Niger Delta University, Bayelsa Medical University and University of Africa, Toru-Orua.
- The grants were awarded under the Tertiary Institutions Research Grant Scheme (TIRGS).
- EDTF Executive Secretary Prof. Ebimieowei Etebu said the scheme supports research, innovation and knowledge creation.
- 75 per cent of each approved grant will be released as the first tranche.
- 15 per cent will be released as the final tranche after successful completion of the research.
- 10 per cent is reserved for university administrative costs.
- Researchers are expected to submit interim and final reports.
- Beneficiaries pledged to use the funds responsibly and produce research outcomes relevant to Bayelsa’s development.
Bayelsa Research Grants Support 16 University Teams
Speaking at the award ceremony, the Executive Secretary of the EDTF, Prof. Ebimieowei Etebu, reaffirmed the fund’s commitment to supporting research and development across Bayelsa’s tertiary institutions.
Etebu said the TIRGS was established to promote research, innovation and knowledge creation, with the expectation that funded projects would help address challenges peculiar to the state and contribute to policy development.
He described the presentation of the awards as an important step in supporting researchers whose proposals had successfully passed institutional review and validation before receiving final approval from the EDTF.
NDU, BMU, UAT Researchers Benefit
The beneficiaries are drawn from the three universities owned by the Bayelsa State Government: Niger Delta University (NDU), Bayelsa Medical University (BMU) and the University of Africa, Toru-Orua (UAT).
The development comes amid wider efforts to strengthen research capacity in Bayelsa. Niger Delta University recently launched a Research and Development Endowment Fund aimed at supporting research, innovation, partnerships and sustainable development in the Niger Delta.
EDTF Explains Research Grant Payment Structure
Etebu explained that the approved research grants would be released in tranches to promote accountability and support the successful completion of the projects.
According to him, 75 per cent of each approved grant will be released as the first tranche through the beneficiary’s institution. A further 15 per cent will constitute the final tranche and will be paid to the principal investigator after successful completion of the approved research. The remaining 10 per cent will be retained by the university to cover administrative costs associated with the research projects.
Researchers Given Accountability Responsibilities
The EDTF executive secretary urged beneficiaries to use the funds strictly in accordance with their approved research objectives, methodologies and budgets.
He said principal investigators would be personally responsible for the conduct of their research and the proper utilisation of the funds. Etebu added that the EDTF would monitor implementation and require researchers to submit interim and final reports on their projects.
He also urged the beneficiary institutions to provide adequate oversight and support to researchers throughout the duration of the projects.
Research Grants Expected to Support Bayelsa Development
Etebu said the TIRGS programme reflects the Bayelsa Government’s commitment to strengthening research and improving the quality of education in the state.
He expressed the expectation that research findings would help generate solutions to challenges affecting Bayelsa while contributing to policy development and wider societal advancement.
Stakeholders Call for More Research Support
In her goodwill message, the Executive Chairman of the Teachers Training Registration and Certification Board, Dr Stellar Ugolo, described research as essential to knowledge generation and societal development. Ugolo congratulated the beneficiaries and encouraged them to use the grants to develop innovations that could benefit society. She also called for the inclusion of polytechnics and colleges of education in future research-support programmes.
Similarly, the Permanent Secretary of the Post Primary Schools Management Board, Mr Faith Ogbara, urged the beneficiaries to use the grants judiciously and focus on producing measurable research outcomes. Ogbara said the findings from the funded projects should contribute to building a better society and supporting development in Bayelsa State.
Beneficiaries Pledge Responsible Use of Grants
The beneficiaries pledged to utilise the research grants responsibly and complete their approved projects. They also expressed their commitment to producing research outcomes capable of contributing to the development of Bayelsa State.
The latest intervention adds to the EDTF’s broader education-support activities across the state, including teacher training and other education development programmes. For more updates, follow us on X.
