unemployment, others: 4 FUOYE scholars receive N89 million FG research grants

Four academics from the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) have secured a total of ₦89.964 million in National Research Fund (NRF) grants to undertake innovative research projects aimed at addressing critical national and global challenges.

The chosen beneficiaries are Prof. Omotosho Babatunde Joshua, whose research project, “Towards Addressing the Unemployment Situation in the Nigerian Formal Labor Market,” received a grant of ₦19,964,000.

Also among the winners is Dr. Adeniyi Bolajoko Florence, Reader in the Department of Educational Management, who was awarded ₦20,000,000 for her research titled “From Blackboards to Intelligent Systems: Comparative Analysis of Traditional and AI-Based Teaching in Nigerian Federal Universities for Global Competitiveness.”

Dr. Ojo Stephen Kayode, Reader in the Department of Microbiology, was awarded ₦21,000,000 for his project, “Development of Innovative Cosmetic Formulations Using Fungal Melanin for Enhancement of Hair Growth, Preservation of Follicles and Management of Dandruff.”

Similarly, Dr Adeleye Olutayo Ademola, a Reader in the Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, secured ₦29,000,000 for his research titled “Combating Diabetic Wounds Using Natural Remedy with Ethosomal Hydrogel Topical Delivery”.

The grants highlight FUOYE’s steady rise as a research-focused university, with its scholars driving innovation and providing practical solutions to some of the country’s pressing socioeconomic and health challenges.

Reacting to the development, the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Prof. Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole, commended the four academic staff members for honoring the institution through their outstanding research achievements. He described the scholarships as evidence of the quality of scholarships at the university. It reaffirmed management’s commitment to creating an environment conducive to cutting-edge research, innovation and academic excellence.

The Vice-Chancellor noted that the undertaking further reflects FUOYE’s growing profile as a center of research excellence, expressing confidence that the projects will produce impactful results capable of addressing pressing national challenges and enhancing the university’s global visibility.

Professor Ogunwole described the grants as a clear reflection of the high-quality research carried out at the university.

The findings further highlight the university’s growing success in attracting competitive national research funding and reinforce its commitment to promoting impactful research that contributes to national development and global competitiveness.