FUOYE Scholars Win ₦89.9m Federal Research Grants for AI, Healthcare and Employment Studies

Four academics from the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) have secured a combined ₦89.964 million in National Research Fund (NRF) grants from the Federal Government to conduct research projects focused on solving major challenges in Nigeria’s education, healthcare, employment and innovation sectors. The grants were awarded under the National Research Fund programme, which supports research projects capable of providing practical solutions to national development challenges. Among the beneficiaries is Prof. Omotosho Babatunde Joshua, who received ₦19.964 million for his research project titled, **“Towards Addressing Unemployment Situation in the Nigerian Formal Labour Market.”** The study aims to examine ways of tackling unemployment challenges and improving opportunities within Nigeria’s formal labour sector. Dr. Adeniyi Bolajoko Florence, a Reader in the Department of Educational Management, received ₦20 million for research on **“From Chalkboards to Intelligent Systems: Comparative Analysis of Traditional and AI-Driven Teaching in Nigerian Federal Universities for Global Competitiveness.”** Her research will explore how artificial intelligence can be integrated into university education to improve teaching methods, learning outcomes and global competitiveness. Another recipient, Dr. Ojo Stephen Kayode from the Department of Microbiology, secured ₦21 million for a project focused on developing innovative cosmetic solutions using fungal melanin for hair growth enhancement, follicle preservation and dandruff management. Dr. Adeleye Olutayo Ademola, a Reader in the Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, received the highest grant of ₦29 million for research aimed at developing a natural treatment solution for diabetic wounds using ethosomal hydrogel topical delivery technology. The successful grants have further strengthened FUOYE’s reputation as a research-focused institution committed to innovation and national development. Reacting to the achievement, the Vice-Chancellor of FUOYE, Prof. Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole, congratulated the researchers and described the grants as evidence of the university’s growing research capacity. He stated that the success of the scholars reflects FUOYE’s commitment to creating an environment where academics can pursue impactful research that addresses real-world problems. The Vice-Chancellor added that the funded projects have the potential to contribute significantly to national development while improving the university’s visibility in global academic and research communities. The achievement highlights the increasing role of Nigerian universities in developing innovative solutions through research, technology and academic excellence.