VC charges researchers to aim higher
… as 8 Unilorites win NRF grants
By Mubarak Oladosu and Isaac Lewu
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has challenged researchers in the services of the University to intensify efforts towards securing more grants under the National Research Fund (NRF), saying the University has the capacity to achieve significantly greater success in future funding cycles.
Prof. Egbewole stated this last Monday (June 22, 2026) at the Auditorium Basement during the presentation of Award Letters to the 2026 NRF grants awardees.
He congratulated the eight beneficiaries for making the University proud and commended the management of the Centre for Research Development and In-House Training (CREDIT) for its commitment to strengthening research culture and grant acquisition in the institution.
The Vice Chancellor urged the awardees to begin preparations for subsequent NRF cycles, noting that the University must leverage its current achievements to attract more national and international research grants.
Prof. Egbewole described the NRF awards as evidence of the institution’s growing research capacity and its readiness to compete globally.
The Vice Chancellor also called for broader participation of the University academic staff in future research grant activities, stressing that researchers who are yet to secure grants should be given opportunities to interact with successful applicants and learn from their experiences.
He expressed confidence that the number of successful proposals from the University would increase substantially in future funding rounds.
The Vice Chancellor further charged Deans and Faculty leadership to mobilise researchers within their respective Faculties to develop competitive proposals, adding that increased grant success would enhance research productivity, improve facilities and contribute to the overall development of the University. He expressed optimism that the 2026 NRF cycle would yield even better results for the institution.
Speaking at the event, the Director of CREDIT, Prof. Abdulkareem Oloyede, attributed the sustained success of the University in the National Research Fund (NRF) scheme to deliberate investments in capacity building, mentorship and technical support for researchers.
He disclosed that the University moved from four successful NRF projects three years ago to eight projects in each of the last two years, with the total grant value rising from N220 million in 2025 to N291 million in 2026.
Prof. Oloyede explained that the improvement reflected the increasing quality of research proposals being submitted by the University scholars.
According to him, while 16 University researchers reached the interview stage in 2025 with eight eventually securing grants, only 10 candidates got to the interview stage in 2026, out of which eight emerged successful, representing an 80 per cent success rate.
Prof. Oloyede noted that the development demonstrated the effectiveness of the training and support mechanisms put in place by the University.
The Director expressed appreciation to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, and the University management for their unwavering support, which he described as instrumental to the achievements recorded.
He also urged members of the University community to serve as ambassadors of the programme by encouraging more researchers to participate in future NRF calls, stressing that the institution possesses the talent, capacity and momentum required to attain even greater accomplishments.
The 2026 NRF Awardees are Prof. Bello Shakira Iyabo, Prof. Obielodan Omotayo Olabo, Prof. Amusa Tajudeen Olakunle, Prof. Lanre Tajudeen Ajibade, Prof. Babatunde Abiola Samuel, Dr. Akanmu Alex Morenikeji, Dr. Ibiyeye Kehinde Muhibat, and Dr. Oluwalola Felicia Kikelomo, who were honoured during the presentation of the 2026 NRF Award Letters.
Responding on behalf of the awardees, Prof. Tajudeen Okekunle Amusa expressed profound appreciation to the University management for its unwavering support towards research excellence and capacity development.
He noted that the recognition would further motivate the beneficiaries to remain committed to impactful research and innovation, assuring the University that the awardees would continue to uphold the reputation of the University through quality scholarship, mentorship and contributions to national development.
Also in attendance were the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Moji Taibat Bakare-Odunola; the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Olalere Adeyemi; the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research Technology and Innovation), Prof. Muhtar Adeiza Etudaiye, Deans, and Heads of Departments, among others.
