FORMER UNIJOS VC HEADS NEWLY RECONSTITUTED TETFUND NATIONAL RESEARCH FUND (NRF) COMMITTEE

/ 27 May 2024 / 0 Comments

UNIVERSITY OF JOS, JOS NIGERIA

(OFFICE OF THE VICE-CHANCELLOR)

INFORMATION, PUBLICATIONS, PUBLIC RELATIONS & PROTOCOL DIVISION

PRESS RELEASE

FORMER UNIJOS VC HEADS NEWLY RECONSTITUTED TETFUND NATIONAL RESEARCH FUND (NRF) COMMITTEE

In a bid to strengthen Research and improve educational quality in Nigerian Universities, the Honourable Minister of Education has approved the reconstitution of the membership of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETfund) National Research Fund Screening and Monitoring Committee. The Committee which is mandated to oversee Research initiatives and projects, will now be chaired by Professor Hayward Babale Mafuyai, Former Vice-Chancellor, University of Jos.

A formal letter, dispatched by the Executive Secretary of TETfund, Arc. Sonny Echono to the Committee members indicates that their tenure will span a two-year period from the day of inauguration.

Among the eminent Scholars appointed to the Committee which consist of senior Academics and Research experts from various reputable Nigerian Universities, is the current Vice-Chancellor, University of Jos, Professor Tanko Ishaya. Furthermore, two other reputable Scholars from the University of Jos, Professor Etannibi Alemika and Professor Samuel Odeh, have been included in the reconstituted Committee. Additionally, the Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Professor Innocent Ujah, who is a Staff of the University of Jos on leave of absence, is also a member.

The Executive Secretary of TETfund, Arc. Sonny Echono, outlined the Terms of Reference that are expected to guide the Committee to include pre-qualifying applications for Research Grants from Academics in beneficiary institutions to ensure their compliance with the approved templates for accessing TETfund and NRF Grants. Additionally, the Committee is required to categorize pre-qualified Research proposals into streams and disciplines to facilitate the appointment of Assessors/Reviewers.

Among other key responsibilities of the reconstituted Committee are to recommend pre-qualified and categorized proposals, recommend proposals for Grants award as well as monitor and report on the progress of ongoing Research work. The Committee members are to also serve as members of the NRF proposal Defense panel.

The inclusion of seasoned Academics and Research experts from renowned Universities like the University of Jos, known for its impactful Research contributions, signifies a commitment to promoting excellence and fostering collaborations in Research activities within the Nigerian educational landscape. The collective expertise of the Committee members, particularly in diverse Academic disciplines, is poised to enrich the monitoring and evaluation processes of Research projects funded by TETfund.

The appointment of Professor Hayward Babale Mafuyai, a distinguished Scholar with a wealth of experience in Academia and Research, as the Chairperson of the committee is expected to provide strategic direction and leadership in driving the Research agenda of TETfund. His previous role as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos underscores his capability to navigate the complexities of Academic research and project management.

The inclusion of Professor Tanko Ishaya, an internationally acclaimed IT Research and industry expert, alongside Professors Etannibi Alemika, Samuel Odeh and Professor Innocent Ujah reinforces Unijos’ reputation as a frontrunner in leveraging the expertise of its Researchers to achieve socially impactful Research outcomes.

With a team of distinguished Academics and Research experts at the helm, the Committee is poised to enhance the quality and impact of Research projects funded by TETfund, paving the way for transformative advancements in Academia, industry and beyond.

Signed