TETFund Opens N10bn Research Grant Portal for 2026

The Tertiary Trust Fund (TETFund) has approved N10 billion for the 2026 National Research Fund (NRF), providing a new funding opportunity for lecturers in Nigeria's public tertiary institutions. Applications will open on August 31, 2026, with a deadline for concept note submissions set for October 15, 2026.

Eligible researchers, acting as principal investigators, must first submit concept notes outlining their proposed research projects. Only those whose concept notes are evaluated and deemed fundable will be invited to submit full research proposals.

The application process is entirely online, and researchers are encouraged to review the research brief and application guidelines thoroughly. The 2026 NRF cycle will focus on 30 priority thematic areas, including humanities, social sciences, science, engineering, innovation, and cross-cutting issues such as clean energy and entrepreneurship.

This funding cycle follows the completion of the 2025 NRF cycle, which awarded over N6.09 billion to support 174 research projects.