Research that could help create jobs, improve teaching, develop better healthcare and drive pharmaceutical innovation has earned four academics at the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) nearly N90 million in funding from the Federal Government.
The four scholars secured a combined N89.964 million through the highly competitive National Research Fund (NRF) grant, according to a statement by the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joshua Ogunwole.
Among the beneficiaries is Prof. Omotosho Joshua, who received N19.964 million for a research project titled, “Towards Addressing Unemployment Situation in Nigerian Formal Labour Market.”
Dr Adeniyi Florence, a Reader in the Department of Educational Management, was awarded N20 million for her study, “From Chalkboards to Intelligent Systems: Comparative Analysis of Traditional and AI-Driven Teaching in Nigerian Federal Universities for Global Competitiveness.”
Also, Dr Ojo Kayode, a Reader in the Department of Microbiology, secured N21 million to develop innovative cosmetic formulations using fungal melanin for hair growth enhancement, follicle preservation and dandruff management.
Dr Adeleye Ademola, a Reader in the Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, received N29 million for his research project titled, “Combating Diabetic Wounds Using Natural Remedy with Ethosomal Hydrogel Topical Delivery.”
Congratulating the researchers, Ogunwole described the grants as proof of the quality of scholarship at FUOYE and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to supporting research and innovation.
“The grants are evidence of the quality of scholarship in the university. Our management is committed to creating an enabling environment for cutting-edge research, innovation and academic excellence,” he said.
He added that the achievement reflects FUOYE’s growing reputation as a research-driven institution.
“This feat further reflects FUOYE’s rising profile as a centre of research excellence,” he said, expressing confidence that the projects would provide practical solutions to national challenges while boosting the university’s global visibility.
Beyond the funding, the grants highlight how research in Nigerian universities can move beyond the classroom to address real-life problems.
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