In a move to foster innovation and support evidence-based research among tertiary institution students across Nigeria, Grooming Centre, a leading microfinance institution, has announced the opening of its application portal for the 2024 edition of its annual research grant scheme.
The Grooming Centre Research Grant, which was launched in 2019 with just 25 beneficiaries, has steadily grown in scale and impact, now boasting a total of 393 recipients at the HND, undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degree levels over the past five years.
Speaking at a news conference in Lagos, the Head of Project at Grooming Centre Nigeria, Mr. Egulefu Chikezie, emphasized the bank’s commitment to encouraging and boosting research activities among students in critical economic areas. These include social enterprise, microfinance, inclusive finance, rural development, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), women in development, and other sectors aimed at lifting people out of poverty.
“The Grooming Centre research grants are designed to support university students who want to carry out research on problem-solving issues that are impactful to the economy but lack the necessary funding,” Egulefu explained. “This year, we plan to support 150 students, comprising 100 undergraduates and 50 postgraduates.”
The chairman of the Technical Committee overseeing the scheme, Mr. Alex Ajibo, further elaborated on the modalities for the grant. Eligible applicants must be students enrolled in NUC/NBTE-approved Nigerian universities or polytechnics and submit a written recommendation from their project supervisor. The research proposals should be between 8 and 25 pages, including an introduction, literature review, research methodology, and the candidate’s personal profile.
Ajibo emphasized the importance of originality and data inclusiveness in the research proposals, ensuring that the selected projects contribute meaningful insights and solutions to the identified economic challenges.
The announcement of the 2024 Grooming Centre Research Grants has generated significant enthusiasm among the student community, who see it as a valuable opportunity to not only fund their research endeavors but also make a tangible impact on the Nigerian economy.
“This grant is a game-changer for students like me who have brilliant ideas but lack the resources to turn them into reality,” said Tolu Adebayo, a final-year student at the University of Lagos. “I’m excited to submit my proposal and be a part of the change we want to see in our society.”
The Grooming Centre’s commitment to empowering young scholars through this research grant scheme aligns with the broader goal of fostering a culture of innovation and problem-solving within the Nigerian education system. By providing financial support and showcasing the work of talented students, the organization hopes to inspire the next generation of researchers and entrepreneurs to tackle the country’s most pressing socio-economic challenges.
As the application deadline of September 21st approaches, the anticipation among the student community continues to build, with many eager to seize this chance to turn their research ideas into tangible solutions that can positively transform the lives of Nigerians.
