Four academics from the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) have collectively secured ₦89.964 million in grants from the National Research Fund (NRF) to pursue innovative research projects that address critical national and global challenges. The grants underscore FUOYE's growing reputation as a research-focused institution driving practical solutions to pressing socio-economic and healthcare issues.
Beneficiaries and Their Projects
The successful beneficiaries include Prof. Omotosho Babatunde Joshua, whose project titled “Towards Addressing Unemployment Situation in Nigerian Formal Labour Market” received ₦19,964,000. Dr Adeniyi Bolajoko Florence, a Reader in the Department of Educational Management, secured ₦20,000,000 for her research “From Chalkboards to Intelligent Systems: Comparative Analysis of Traditional and AI-Driven Teaching in Nigerian Federal Universities for Global Competitiveness.” Dr Ojo Stephen Kayode, a Reader in the Department of Microbiology, was awarded ₦21,000,000 for “Development of Innovative Cosmetic Formulations Using Fungal Melanin for Hair Growth Enhancement, Follicle Preservation, and Dandruff Management.” Dr Adeleye Olutayo Ademola, a Reader in the Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, secured ₦29,000,000 for his project “Combating Diabetic Wounds Using Natural Remedy with Ethosomal Hydrogel Topical Delivery.”
Recognition from University Leadership
Reacting to the development, the Vice-Chancellor of FUOYE, Prof. Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole, commended the four academic staff for bringing honour to the institution through their outstanding research achievements. He described the grants as evidence of the quality of scholarship at the university. “These grants are a clear reflection of the high-quality research being carried out at the university,” Prof. Ogunwole stated. He reaffirmed the management’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for cutting-edge research, innovation, and academic excellence.
Impact on National Development
The Vice-Chancellor noted that the feat further reflects FUOYE’s rising profile as a centre of research excellence. He expressed confidence that the projects would produce impactful findings capable of addressing pressing national challenges and enhancing the university’s global visibility. The grants highlight FUOYE’s increasing success in attracting competitive national research funding and reinforce its commitment to promoting impactful research that contributes to national development and global competitiveness. The funded projects aim to tackle unemployment, enhance education through AI, and provide healthcare solutions for diabetic wounds, among other critical areas.
