On Tuesday, July 8, 2025, the University of Lagos (UNILAG) welcomed a high-level Monitoring and Evaluation Panel from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), under the auspices of the National Research Fund (NRF) grant cycle.
The delegation was led by Professor Badayi Sanni, Chair of the Assessor Panel and Team Lead. He outlined the objectives of the visit: to evaluate project progress, scrutinize research methodologies, and ensure alignment with national development goals. Professor Sanni noted that research themes within Social Sciences and Humanities would be subject to rigorous assessment to uphold both academic integrity and societal relevance.
Acknowledging the University’s track record, the team commended UNILAG for its transparent use of public research funds and its exemplary history of meeting grant milestones.
Receiving the delegation on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Management Services), Professor Muyiwa Falaiye, re-affirmed UNILAG’s readiness and strict adherence to TETFund protocols.
His words “We have meticulously coordinated administrative and logistical support to ensure all principal investigators and documentation are ready for review. UNILAG remains fully committed to transparent and impactful research”.
He reiterated the institution’s dedication to leveraging research for national development and detailed the University’s proactive measures, from project filing systems to financial audits and monitoring protocols.
Other members of the TETFUND Monitoring and Evaluation Panel were Professor Danjuma Gwany and Dr. Joy Anenih, representing TETFund’s Monitoring Unit. The team will meet with seven (7) Principal Investigators, each leading Humanities and Social Sciences research projects under the 2021 grant cycle. Reviews will focus on progress reports, budget utilization, research methodology, interim findings, and potential societal impact.
The evaluation exercise is part of TETFund’s ongoing national initiative to sustain a robust research culture within Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
Report: Bayo Salau
Photographs: Islamiat Akanni
