The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has announced a N100 million research grant to Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU), in a landmark gesture poised to transform the institution’s research landscape and strengthen its contribution to national development.
Making the announcement during the university’s convocation, Prof. Yilwatda said the grant is aimed at promoting cutting-edge research, fostering innovation and encouraging solutions-focused scholarship among faculty and students of the institution. He noted that Nigerian universities must increasingly become centres of innovation and problem-solving if the country is to compete in the global knowledge economy.
According to him, the N100 million fund is expected to support multidisciplinary research projects, encourage collaborations across departments and faculties, and inspire researchers to focus on practical challenges confronting Nigeria in areas such as technology, agriculture, education, governance and sustainable development. He stressed that the initiative is also designed to build a strong pipeline of young researchers whose work can attract further local and international funding.
Prof. Yilwatda commended the management and staff of AKSU for their efforts in building a growing reputation for academic excellence, urging them to leverage the new research grant to deepen the university’s impact beyond the state and the country. He charged the institution to prioritise projects that have clear outcomes, measurable impact and the potential to inform policy and improve lives.
The APC National Chairman further encouraged AKSU students to see research not just as an academic requirement, but as a strategic tool for problem-solving, innovation and global relevance. He maintained that in a rapidly changing world, graduates who combine sound character, strong values and robust research skills will be best positioned to compete in the international job market.
Responding on behalf of the university, the Vice-Chancellor (or appropriate titleholder) expressed profound appreciation for the generous gesture, describing the N100 million research grant as a timely intervention that will significantly boost the university’s research capacity. He assured that the funds would be transparently managed and strictly deployed to support high-impact research initiatives that align with the institution’s strategic priorities.
He added that the grant would enable AKSU to improve its research infrastructure, enhance staff development, support postgraduate studies and strengthen its visibility in reputable academic and professional circles worldwide. According to him, the university will also establish clear guidelines and a competitive process for accessing the grant to ensure fairness, merit and maximum value.
Stakeholders at the event, including members of the university community, government officials and invited guests, lauded the APC National Chairman for the donation, describing it as a visionary investment in knowledge, youth and the future of Nigeria. Many expressed optimism that the intervention would not only elevate AKSU’s profile but also encourage other leaders, institutions and private sector actors to support research and innovation in Nigerian universities.
The N100 million research grant is expected to mark a new chapter in AKSU’s evolution as a research-driven institution, reinforcing its commitment to excellence, innovation and service to society.
