Four academics at the Federal University Oye-Ekiti have secured a total of ₦89.964m in National Research Fund grants from the Federal Government to undertake innovative research projects aimed at addressing critical socio-economic, educational and healthcare challenges in Nigeria.

The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Prof. Joshua Ogunwole, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists on Monday, describing the feat as another milestone in the institution’s growing profile as a research-driven university.

According to the statement, the successful beneficiaries emerged after a competitive National Research Fund selection process, with their projects focusing on unemployment, artificial intelligence in education, pharmaceutical innovation and healthcare.

Leading the list of awardees is Prof. Omotosho Babatunde Joshua, whose research project titled “Towards Addressing Unemployment Situation in Nigerian Formal Labour Market” attracted a grant of ₦19.964m.

Also among the beneficiaries is Dr Adeniyi Bolajoko Florence, a Reader in the Department of Educational Management, who secured ₦20m for her study, “From Chalkboards to Intelligent Systems: Comparative Analysis of Traditional and AI-Driven Teaching in Nigerian Federal Universities for Global Competitiveness.”

Similarly, Dr Ojo Stephen Kayode, a Reader in the Department of Microbiology, received ₦21 million for his research project, “Development of Innovative Cosmetic Formulations Using Fungal Melanin for Hair Growth Enhancement, Follicle Preservation, and Dandruff Management.”

Another recipient, Dr Adeleye Olutayo Ademola, a Reader in the Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, secured ₦29 million for his research titled “Combating Diabetic Wounds Using Natural Remedy with Ethosomal Hydrogel Topical Delivery.”

The university said the grants underscore FUOYE’s growing reputation as a centre for high-impact research, with its academics developing practical solutions to some of Nigeria’s pressing socio-economic and public health challenges.

Reacting to the development, Ogunwole congratulated the four scholars for bringing honour to the institution through their outstanding research achievements.

He said, “The grants are evidence of the quality of scholarship in the university. Our management is also committed to creating an enabling environment for cutting-edge research, innovation, and academic excellence.

“This feat further reflects FUOYE’s rising profile as a centre of research excellence, expressing confidence that the projects would produce impactful findings capable of addressing pressing national challenges and enhancing the university’s global visibility.”

The Vice-Chancellor described the grants as a clear reflection of the high-quality research being undertaken at the university, noting that the achievement further demonstrates FUOYE’s increasing success in attracting competitive national research funding.

He added that the institution remains committed to promoting impactful research capable of driving national development, fostering innovation and enhancing Nigeria’s global competitiveness.