Tai Solarin Federal University of Education (TASFUED), Ijagun, Ogun State, has intensified efforts to strengthen its research profile and improve access to competitive funding with the second edition of its Concept Note Writing training programme for members of the university community.
The programme, tagged “Concept Note Writing 2.0,” was organised by the Directorate of Research and External Relations (DRER) as part of the implementation of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Samuel Oladipo’s STARWIN Agenda.
The training was designed to equip researchers with practical skills for developing clear, compelling and fundable concept notes and research proposals capable of competing for national and international grants.
Speaking at the programme, the Director of DRER, Prof. Olufunke Ekine, said strengthening TASFUED’s research visibility required more than producing quality research, stressing that researchers must also be able to communicate their ideas effectively to funding bodies.
She said well-developed concept notes and proposals could position the university to access opportunities such as the National Research Fund (NRF), Institutional-Based Grants (IBG) and international research funding schemes.
«“For us as an institution to get visibility, we need our research out there in the open. For our research to be funded, we need to be able to write good concept notes and proposals that will attract the National Research Fund (NRF), Institutional-Based Grants (IBG), and several other international grants.”»
Ekine, who disclosed that she had benefited from research grants on several occasions, said the training was also intended to transfer practical experience to academic staff and interested non-teaching staff.
According to her, participants were being exposed to ways of identifying appropriate funding opportunities and developing applications that respond directly to the requirements of grant calls.
TASFUED Seeks Wider Participation in Research Funding
The Director of the Directorate of Academic Planning, Quality Assurance and Accreditation (DAPQA), Prof. Jimoh Owoyele, described the programme as a strategic intervention aimed at strengthening the university’s research culture and improving researchers’ competitiveness for available funding.
Owoyele, who served as one of the resource persons, said the training was particularly timely because of the ongoing call for applications for the National Research Fund.
He encouraged more members of the university community to participate in research and grant-writing activities.
«“We want as many participants as possible from TASFUED,” he said.»
The professor also encouraged researchers to collaborate, exchange ideas and develop proposals capable of competing for available funding rather than approaching research as an isolated academic exercise.
He linked the importance of research to the continuous evolution of human civilisation and the emergence of new challenges requiring evidence-based solutions.
According to him, research remains a major instrument for expanding knowledge and addressing societal problems, making it particularly important for TASFUED, as a university dedicated to education and teacher development, to maintain a strong research and innovation culture.
Training Covers Concept Development, Methodology and Budgeting
The programme featured specialised sessions covering key stages of developing a competitive concept note and grant application.
Owoyele facilitated “The Dos and Don’ts of Concept Note Writing,” focusing participants’ attention on important considerations in preparing concept notes for potential funders.
Prof. Zubair Soluade handled a session on “Methodology, Timeline and Grant Chart,” while Ekine facilitated the session on “Budgeting.”
Dr Oyesolape Akinsipo delivered a session titled “Ready Sources for Funding,” exposing participants to potential avenues through which researchers can identify funding opportunities.
Academic staff from the College of Science and Information Technology (COSIT), College of Specialised and Professional Education (COSMAS), and College of Humanities (COHUM) participated in the training.
The initiative reflects TASFUED’s continuing effort to move its research activities beyond knowledge production towards research visibility, grant acquisition, collaboration and measurable societal impact.
By strengthening researchers’ ability to translate research ideas into structured and fundable proposals, the university is seeking to expand the number of its researchers participating in competitive funding opportunities while building a stronger institutional research ecosystem.
