The University of Abuja has awarded N5.45 million in research funding to six undergraduate student research teams.

Vice-Chancellor of UniAbuja, Prof. Aisha Maikudi, stated this on Tuesday at the 6th Undergraduate Research Day.

According to Prof. Maikudi, the grant is the largest award given to undergraduate research groups since the programme’s inception.

Speaking on the theme ‘Promoting National Development Through Research’, the don said that research plays a vital role in driving national development, as it enables the creation of new knowledge, innovative solutions, and effective policies.

She said that research has the power to transform societies, improve living standards, and foster sustainable development.

The Vice-Chancellor also noted the importance of interdisciplinary research collaborations, citing the need for experts from various fields to work together to address complex national challenges.

On her part, the Director, Centre for Undergraduate Research (CUR), Prof. Taibat Atoyebi, said 20 groups of students expressed interest in the research grants, while 13 teams were shortlisted to submit research proposals, with six ultimately selected.

Prof. Atoyebi added that three students who had previously presented their research proposals during the Fourth Research Day were also presenting their final results at this year’s event.

She stated that the CUR is already accepting applications for the next round of research grants, with a revised criterion that stresses aligning student research with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to address pertinent societal needs.

Atoyebi further announced that the 7th Research Day will take place in the second semester, where the findings from the research presented this year will be shared.