VCs committee advise varsities on global funding
The Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (CVCNU) has advised universities to strengthen their capacity in global funding acquisition and strategic resource mobilisation to enhance competitiveness and long-term sustainability. The
The Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (CVCNU) has advised universities to strengthen their capacity in global funding acquisition and strategic resource mobilisation to enhance competitiveness and long-term sustainability.
The charge was given during a two-day collaborative research workshop held at the CVCNU Secretariat in Abuja, themed “Unlocking Global Funding: Resource Mobilisation and International Grantsmanship for Nigerian Universities.”
Speaking at the event, the Secretary-General of CVCNU, Andrew Haruna, said universities must reposition themselves in line with emerging global realities where institutions increasingly depend on competitive grants to drive research, innovation, and growth.
He observed that while Nigerian universities are eligible for international funding opportunities, many remain constrained by structural and capacity-related challenges.
Haruna identified weak proposal development, poor alignment with donor priorities, limited institutional frameworks, and inadequate collaboration as key barriers limiting access to global funding.
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He stated: “For many universities, reliance on government subventions remains dominant, while alternative funding opportunities—through international grants, industry partnerships, and collaborative research networks—are not fully explored or strategically pursued.
“This workshop therefore comes at a critical time. Over the next two days, we will explore practical approaches to strengthening institutional capacity for resource mobilisation, building effective partnerships, and improving grantsmanship practices within our universities.”
He further stressed the need for universities to align their research outputs with global priorities while projecting strong Nigerian and African perspectives.
“Our expectation is that participants will leave this workshop with practical strategies that can help their institutions move from occasional grant success to a more structured and sustainable culture of research funding and resource mobilisation,” Haruna stated.
Also speaking, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Optimal Delivery Solutions Projects and Corporate Services Limited, Ken Oguzie, urged universities to adopt deliberate and coordinated strategies in pursuing international grants.
He said institutions must shift from individual-driven efforts to institutional approaches, embrace global relevance, and prioritise collaboration across borders and disciplines.
Oguzie said: “Grant writing is not merely a technical skill. it is a strategic capability.
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“I encourage Vice-Chancellors to take leadership in this area. When leadership prioritises grants, the institution follows.”
He added that research from Nigerian universities must address pressing global challenges such as climate change, food security, artificial intelligence, public health, and inclusive development.
“Our research must speak to these priorities while offering uniquely Nigerian and African perspectives. This is how we become globally relevant,” he said.
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Highlighting the importance of partnerships, Oguzie noted: “The most successful grants today are collaborative—across universities, across countries, and across disciplines. Nigerian universities must actively seek partnerships, within Africa and internationally. Collaboration increases credibility, expands expertise, and significantly improves success rates.”
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In his contribution, Lead Consultant at Optimal Delivery Solutions Projects and Corporate Services Limited, Akanimo Odon, emphasised sustainable strategies for sourcing grants, particularly through international partnerships and intra-university collaboration.
Similarly, a Research Officer and facilitator at CVCNU, Joy Ambrose Ezirim, highlighted the importance of institutional branding and global online visibility in attracting funding opportunities.
She said participants were equipped with practical tools and strategic insights to navigate global funding ecosystems and strengthen internal structures for grantsmanship.
“The workshop also provided a platform for networking, peer learning, and inter-university collaboration aimed at expanding participation in international research funding opportunities,” she added.
