‘Why we tied our varsity research grants to poverty reduction’

A microfinance institution, Grooming Centre Nigeria, has disclosed that its university research grants are given to indigent students in both public and private tertiary institutions nationwide, with priority given to research projects that can solve societal problems and lead to poverty reduction in the country.

The Head of Special Projects at the Centre, Mr Egulefu Chikezie, gave this hint on Tuesday in Lagos at a news conference to announce the commencement of application submissions by students for this year’s edition of the annual scholarship scheme, now in its seventh year.

He noted that a total of 543 students, comprising 11 PhD candidates and 532 other students at the HND, undergraduate, and master’s degree levels, have so far benefited from the scheme since it was launched six years ago as part of the company’s social intervention efforts in education development and poverty reduction.

He added that only 25 students from eight institutions benefited at inception, with the number steadily increasing each year, as many more students from up to 55 schools as of last year are now submitting strong applications.

Chikezie underscored the importance of the annual non-refundable grants to students regardless of age, gender, religion, or ethnic background, saying it is aimed at encouraging and boosting knowledge and evidence-based research among tertiary students in critical economic areas relevant to Nigeria.

He listed those areas to include social enterprise, microfinance, inclusive finance, rural development, technological development, digital finance, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), youth development, women in development, and other sectors targeting poverty alleviation.

According to him, the research proposals must be relevant to the Nigerian context, demonstrate practical innovation, and promote the specified areas of interest.

He explained that the Centre, which has also awarded scholarships to senior secondary school students under another platform called the Lady Kate Scholarship Scheme, believes that many tertiary students in the country would like to carry out impactful, problem-solving research but lack the funds—hence, the research grants are designed to support them.

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He noted that 150 students—100 undergraduates and 50 postgraduates—are expected to benefit from the 2025 grants, just like in the last edition.

The undergraduate category will receive N100,000 each, while each postgraduate beneficiary will get double that amount.

He, however, disclosed that the Centre had decided to increase the monetary value of the grants due to inflation in the country, to make more impact.

Chikezie urged students to begin submitting their applications through a dedicated website.

Giving insights into the application modality, the Chief Operating Officer of Creme Consulting, the company that manages the scholarship scheme, Mr Clifford Onyeike, emphasised the need for originality and data inclusiveness in the research projects.

He noted that eligible applicants must be students at NUC/NBTE-approved Nigerian universities or polytechnics and must submit a written recommendation from their project supervisor or head of department.

Proposals, according to him, should be between 10 and 20 pages and must include an introduction, literature review, research questions, objectives, methodology, and the candidate’s personal profile.

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