ABUJA – Four academics at the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) have secured a combined ₦89.964 million in National Research Fund (NRF) grants from the Federal Government to conduct groundbreaking studies on artificial intelligence, healthcare, unemployment and pharmaceutical innovation.
The grants, awarded under the National Research Fund, are aimed at supporting innovative research capable of providing practical solutions to Nigeria’s socio-economic and public health challenges.
Leading the beneficiaries is Prof. Omotosho Babatunde Joshua, who received ₦19.964 million for a research project titled, “Towards Addressing Unemployment Situation in the Nigerian Formal Labour Market.”
Also honoured is Dr. Adeniyi Bolajoko Florence, a Reader in the Department of Educational Management, who secured ₦20 million for a study titled, “From Chalkboards to Intelligent Systems: Comparative Analysis of Traditional and AI-Driven Teaching in Nigerian Federal Universities for Global Competitiveness.”
The study is expected to explore how artificial intelligence can transform teaching and learning in Nigeria’s university system and enhance global competitiveness.
In the healthcare sector, Dr. Ojo Stephen Kayode, a Reader in the Department of Microbiology, was awarded ₦21 million to develop innovative cosmetic formulations using fungal melanin for hair growth enhancement, follicle preservation and dandruff treatment.
Dr. Adeleye Olutayo Ademola, a Reader in the Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, received the highest grant of ₦29 million for research focused on developing a natural remedy using ethosomal hydrogel topical delivery for improved treatment of diabetic wounds.
The latest achievement further strengthens FUOYE’s reputation as a fast-growing research institution committed to providing innovative solutions to national and global challenges.
Reacting to the development, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole, congratulated the four scholars, describing the grants as a strong endorsement of the quality of research and scholarship in the university.
He said the awards reflect FUOYE’s steady emergence as a centre of research excellence and demonstrate its growing success in attracting highly competitive national research funding.
Professor Ogunwole reaffirmed the university’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for cutting-edge research, innovation and academic excellence.
He expressed confidence that the funded projects would deliver impactful findings capable of addressing critical national challenges while boosting FUOYE’s global visibility.
According to him, the success of the four researchers underscores the university’s dedication to promoting research that drives national development and strengthens Nigeria’s global competitiveness.
