BY AMUNEGA PAUL
The Vice Chancellor, University of Abuja (UNIABUJA), Prof. Abdulrasheed Na’ Allah, has informed that the institution received N704 million as grants in 2020.
The grants, he said, came from both local and foreign sources despite the global challenges posed by COVID-19 Pandemic.
Na’Allah, tasked researchers, scientists and academic staff in the institution to be committed to solving the country’s myriad challenges through educational research for the development of Nigeria
The VC made this known during the UNIABUJA 2020 annual recognition ceremony for authors and researchers at the University campus in Gwagwalada, Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
He said the University was committed towards ensuring a conducive atmosphere for researchers, adding that adequate arrangements have been put in place to encourage research in the institution.
He said: “We are having our inaugural annual recognition ceremony for lecturers who obtained research grants and those who published papers in reputable peer-reviewed, ranked, indexed journals with impact factor in 2020.
“We got both local and international grants this year; some in dollars, pounds and others in naira and this is good amount of money that has come into this university this year.”
On the aggregate, he added that the institution was able to attract £287,000 amounting to N143 million, $1.91 amounting to N436 million and local grants to the tune of N125 million.
“This is what should be and how a University should be so that research can be encouraged for the development of any nation and the society at large.” he said.
Na’Allah, assured the researchers and authors in the institutions of plans to provide the needed support to ensure access to a conducive environment, laboratories and information to help solve national challenges with their works.
He frowned at the frequent industrial actions on campuses which he said has demoralised academic life, thus causing disruptions in research and efficient utilisation of grants within the given time frame.