University of Abuja Awards N5.45 Million in Research Grants to Six Undergraduate Teams
The University of Abuja has awarded a total of N5.45 million in research grants to six undergraduate student research teams, marking the largest grant disbursement since the initiative’s inception. This effort aims to encourage impactful research and foster innovation among young scholars.
The grants were presented on Tuesday during the 6th Undergraduate Research Day, hosted by the university’s Centre for Undergraduate Research.
Prof. Aisha Maikudi, Vice-Chancellor of the university, addressed attendees at the event, emphasizing the significance of research in addressing national challenges and driving development.
“At the University of Abuja, we are dedicated to creating an environment where curiosity, creativity, and innovation thrive to produce solutions for societal issues,” Maikudi stated. She encouraged students to view research as a means of contributing to Nigeria’s growth, noting that the event’s theme, ‘Promoting National Development Through Research,’ aligns with the university’s mission of purpose-driven inquiry.
Prof. Maikudi also praised the Centre for Undergraduate Research for its efforts and assured continued support for student research, highlighting that such initiatives prepare students to become leaders and changemakers across various fields.
The Director of the Centre, Prof. Taibat Atoyebi, shared details on the grant selection process. Out of the 20 teams that initially expressed interest, 13 were shortlisted to submit research proposals. After oral defenses, six teams were awarded the grants based on the originality, sustainability, and feasibility of their projects.
The funded research projects include:
- Bioactive Compounds from K. pinnata and J. tanjorensis: Exploring anti-anaemic and hepatoprotective effects in rats.
- Assessment of Biosafety and Waste Management Practices in Abattoirs in the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria.
- Application of Vermitechnology in Solid Waste Management and sustainable agriculture.
- Evaluating the Phytochemicals and Antidiabetic Properties of Curry Leaves.
- Using AI and ML to Model Energy Consumption in the University of Abuja’s students’ hostels from a macroeconomic perspective.
- Phytochemical and Antimicrobial Properties of Calopogonium Mucunoides and Mitracarpus Species (Rubiaceae) against carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae.
These projects reflect the university’s commitment to fostering research that contributes to both national development and the advancement of knowledge in diverse fields.
