By Bashirat Omotosho
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has called on academic staff across the 16 Faculties of the institution to intensify efforts at producing fundable research proposals that will attract more grants to the University.
Prof. Egbewole made this call last Tuesday (August 19, 2025) while declaring open a capacity-building Workshop for lecturers on the writing of National Research Fund (NRF) concept notes, organised by the Centre for Research Development and In-House Training (CREDIT) at the University Auditorium.
The Vice Chancellor who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Adegboyega Adisa Fawole, urged staff members to see research as a collective responsibility as he emphasised that with more submissions, the University stands a greater chance of success.
He said, “Our University ranked fifth in the last NRF call. With deliberate commitment from every Faculty, we can achieve greater success and move up the ladder. Together, we can do more.”
In his opening remarks, the Director of CREDIT, Prof. Abdulkarim Oloyede, noted that the Workshop was part of the University’s preparation for the TETFund 2025 NRF concept notes submissions.
He explained that the session was designed to help colleagues refine their research ideas, avoid common pitfalls, and understand reviewers’ expectations in order to submit stronger and competitive proposals.
The Director said, “The deadline for submission is August 28, 2025. We encourage colleagues to come with their draft concept notes, whether complete or in progress. This is a rare opportunity to get direct feedback and strengthen your submissions ahead of the call.”
In his presentation on “Creating a Winning NRF Concept Note,” the Vice Chancellor of Summit University, Offa, Prof. Musa Aibinu, advised researchers to start small, have a clear scale-up plan, and not be discouraged by initial rejections.
He maintained that there is no harm in starting small and participants should not disenfranchise themselves or be afraid to chart new terrains. ‘With resilience, you can turn your ideas into award-winning proposals,” he charged.
Delivering a paper at the event, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Prof. Adeshola Aderounmu, enumerated practical strategies and thematic areas researchers should pay attention to when developing their proposals.
In the same vein, the Director, Centre for Affiliated Institutions, University of Ilorin, Prof. Yahya Imam, shared tips on writing fundable TETFund NRF concept notes and proposals, which, according to him, include clarity, innovation, and alignment with national development goals.
In his goodwill message, the Director of COMSIT, Prof. Rasheed Jimoh commended the organisers as he appreciated the facilitators for their commitment to strengthening the University’s research culture.
Present at the event were the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Moji Taibat Bakare-Odunola, the Registrar, Mr Mansur Adeleke Alfanla; the Bursar, Mr Abiodun Lawal, Deans and Directors of different Faculties and Centres, among others.
