The TETFund Centre of Excellence for Technology Enhanced Learning (TeCETEL), Federal University of Education, Zaria, has organised a National Research Fund (NRF) application workshop for academic staff of the university.
A statement signed by Sani Lawal Maqarphy Media Aide to the VC said the workshop, held at the Amb. Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli ICT Centre, today 30th September, 2026, was aimed at sensitising participants on the requirements, procedures and practical approaches to preparing competitive applications for the TETFund National Research Fund.
Speaking at the occasion, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof Yahaya Isa Bunkure, described the workshop as a wake-up call for the university community.
Prof. Bunkure commended TeCETEL for organising the programme and urged academic staff to take advantage of the opportunity by developing research proposals capable of addressing pressing challenges and attracting competitive research funding.
The Vice-Chancellor expressed concern over the low level of participation by staff of the university in accessing such research funds. He disclosed that, upon assumption of office, he observed that for about 10 years, no staff member of the university had accessed the fund.
He said the situation had become a challenge to the administration, prompting him to task the Centre with initiating measures to encourage and support staff to access available research funding opportunities.
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Prof. Bunkure therefore charged participants to take the workshop seriously and ensure that the knowledge acquired translated into quality and fundable research proposals.
In his welcome remarks, the Director, TETFund Centre of Excellence for Technology Enhanced Learning (TeCETEL), Prof. Ilesabmi Ajibola welcomed all participants to the maiden workshop.
Introducing the facilitator, Prof Mohammed Aliyu Paiko, Prof Ajibola described him as a “builder of institutions.” He highlighted Prof Paiko’s experience as the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of Abdulkadir Kure University, Minna, where he led the institution through its transition from a specialised university of education to a conventional university.
Prof Paiko, who led the training session, took participants through the rudiments of the National Research Fund application, with emphasis on the requirements and processes involved in developing competitive NRF applications.
The workshop provided participants with practical insights into the preparation of research proposals and the need for researchers to develop projects that are relevant, innovative and capable of contributing to the solution of national and societal challenges.
In attendance also were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Management Services), Prof Kabiru Haruna Danja; Ag. Registrar, Shehu Iya Sa’idu; Ag. Bursar, Muhammad Kabir Aliyu; Ag. Librarian, Ahmed Tijjani Abdu; TETFund Desk Officer, Najmuddeen Alhasan; among Directors, Deans and HODs.
