The University of Abuja (UniAbuja) says its researchers have won over N3 billion grants in 2023 following their applications to donor agencies for research grants.

The Vice-Chancellor of UniAbuja, Prof. Abdul-Rasheed Na’allah, disclosed this during the award ceremony for researchers and authors in Abuja on Monday.

Na’allah said the 2023 grant of over N3 billion was a significant improvement compared to the N1 billion that was won in 2022.

The UniAbuja VC urged those leading in research to share their experiences with others, adding that they should support one another in order to bring in more researchers.

He said: “When you hear information on a grant, share it around so more people can participate, this will help the university produce more grant-winning researchers.

“There is no world-class university if there are no world scholars; we must continue to show this nation that a world-class university is achievable and we have achieved it.

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“We have made over N3 billion in research grants this year; we are making a mark and we are determined as a university that whatever it will take we must move forward.”

Na’allah said there was need for scholars to invest in research as they were the things needed to solve the problems facing the nation.

The UniAbuja Vice-Chancellor also urged more scholars to apply for grants, saying: “What gives you joy as a scholar is research grants you get from outside; you have to keep working on getting a grant until you succeed.”

Na’allah further called on scholars to think of how to solve the problems of Nigeria such as insecurity and bad leadership among others through their research work.

He said that UniAbuja was taking the lead in resolving the problem of leadership, adding that the university would soon establish youth leadership clinic.

He said this clinic would help to train youths and prepare them to take over the leadership of Nigeria.

The don assured the researchers that the university would not disappoint them as they continue to put the institution on the map through this research grant.

Under the researchers’ cadre, seven persons won gold, two silver, and 45 bronze, while in the authors cadre, eight persons won gold, nine silver, and 27 bronze.

The Star