6 UniAbuja Students Awarded N5.4m Research Grants
The University of Abuja’s Centre for Undergraduate Research (CUR) has awarded research grants totaling N5.45 million to six of its students. The announcement was made on Tuesday during the 6th Undergraduate Research Day, themed “Promoting National Development Through Research.”
During the event, Prof. Taibat Adebukola Atoyebi, Director of CUR, revealed that 20 student groups had initially shown interest in the grants. Thirteen teams were shortlisted to submit research proposals, and ultimately, six teams were selected to receive the funding.
Atoyebi shared that the six winning teams presented their research proposals, which earned them a total of N5,450,000 in grants. Additionally, three students who had previously presented their research proposals at the 4th Research Day were also showcasing their final results this year.
The CUR director further mentioned that applications for the next round of research grants were open. The updated criteria emphasize aligning student research with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), aiming to address key societal challenges.
Looking ahead, Atoyebi also announced that the 7th Research Day will take place in the second semester, where this year’s research findings will be shared.
Prof. Aisha Maikudi, Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja, reiterated the institution’s commitment to creating an environment that fosters curiosity, creativity, and innovation. She emphasized that undergraduates are the future generation of thought leaders and changemakers. She also commended the Centre for Undergraduate Research for its dedication to guiding students and empowering them to tackle real-world issues.
The event featured the presentation of research findings from the six grant recipients. Their projects covered a wide range of topics, including the following:
- Ngutswen Aondonenge Emmanuel (Department of Biological Science): Bioactive Compounds from K. pinnata and J. tanjorensis: Isolation, Characterisation, and Evaluation of Anti-anaemic and Hepatoprotective Effects in Rats.
- Isa Iqraam Ozavize (Department of Veterinary Medicine): Assessment of Biosafety and Waste Management Practices in Abattoirs in the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria.
- Madaki Enyojo Nathan (Microbiology): Application of Vermitechnology in Solid Waste Management and Sustainable Agriculture.
- Egbeji Paul Owam (Medical Laboratory Science): Evaluating the Phytochemicals and Antidiabetic Properties of Curry Leaves (Murraya Koenigii).
- Okolie Juliet Ukamaka (Economics): Using AI and ML to Model Energy Consumption in University of Abuja’s Students’ Hostels: A Macroeconomic Approach.
- Ezeadua Valentine Chinonso (Medical Laboratory Science): Phytochemical and Antimicrobial Properties of Calopogonium Mucunoides and Mitracarpus Species (Rubiaceae) Against Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae.
This initiative underscores the university’s commitment to fostering academic excellence and contributing to national development through impactful research.
