From Fred Ezeh, Abuja

The Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (CVCNU) has challenged Nigerian universities to strengthen their capacity for international grant acquisition and strategic resource mobilisation to remain competitive, globally relevant, and financially sustainable in a rapidly evolving academic environment.

CVCNU Secretary-General Prof. Andrew Haruna and the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Optimal Delivery Solutions Projects and Corporate Services Limited, Ken Oguzie, gave the charge at a collaborative research workshop held at the CVCNU Secretariat in Abuja on the theme “Unlocking Global Funding: Resource Mobilisation and International Grantsmanship for Nigerian Universities”.

Prof. Haruna, in his remarks, noted that the global academic landscape has shifted, with leading universities increasingly relying on competitive grants to drive innovation, research output, and growth.

He added: “Although Nigerian universities are eligible for global funding, many still face capacity gaps, including weak proposal development, poor alignment with donor priorities, limited institutional frameworks for grants acquisition, and inadequate collaboration that often hinder their ability to access and manage such opportunities effectively

“For many universities, reliance on government subventions remains dominant while alternative funding opportunities, which often come 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.”

Prof. Haruna urged Nigerian universities to align their research 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.”

Speaking to journalists after the programme, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Optimal Delivery Solutions Projects and Corporate Services Limited, Ken Oguzie, identified three strategic shifts Nigerian universities must embrace to attract global funding.

He said institutions must move from individual effort to institutional strategy, from local thinking to global relevance, and from competition to collaboration, as funders increasingly prioritise solutions to challenges such as climate change, food security, artificial intelligence, public health, and inclusive development.

“Grant writing is not merely a technical skill. It is a strategic capability. Hence, Vice-Chancellors should take leadership in this area. When leadership prioritises grants, the institution follows. Our research must speak to these priorities while offering uniquely Nigerian and African perspectives. This is how we become globally relevant.

“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.” He added.

Oguzie said the sessions also exposed participants to emerging trends in global research funding, institutional resource mobilisation strategies, compliance standards required by major funders, and digital tools for improving research visibility and collaboration.

Lead Consultant, ODS Projects and Corporate Services Limited, Dr Akanimo Odon, who spoke about sustainable strategies for grant sourcing, highlighted the importance of international partnerships and intra-university collaboration for successful grant applications.

Research Officer and CVCNU Facilitator Mrs Joy Ambrose Ezirim stressed the need for Nigerian universities to strengthen their institutional branding and global online presence to remain visible and competitive in today’s academic landscape.

She added that participants were equipped with practical tools and strategic insights to navigate global funding ecosystems, strengthen internal grantsmanship structures, and build sustainable partnerships with international funding bodies.

“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.

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