The School of Postgraduate Studies recently held its second workshop series with the theme "Grantmanship:A tool for Impactful Postgraduate Research ".

The Vice-Chancellor , Prof. Haruna Kuje Ayuba In his opening remarks expressed delight  with the calibre  of the resource persons invited to the workshop who were experts with quantum of experiences in the field of grantsmanship.  He reminded the academics of the competitive nature in the world in searching for grants and encouraged them to seize the opportunity to learn the art and science of attracting grants, possessing required skills in identifying the right procedure amidst obstacles. 

While commending some staff for the grant wining successes, the Vice-Chancellor disclosed that the issue of grants will continue to receive priority attention in the university as it will sustain the momentum in providing the enabling environment to staff who are competing for Grants.

Earlier in his opening remarks, Dean School of Postgraduate Studies Prof. Bamidele I. Okoli, stated the opportunities the workshop avail to participants and researchers to acquire vital skills for grantsmanship which has great potentials for increased output to communities for national development.

Prof. Okoli stated that researchers in Nigeria have faced significant obstacles over the years largely due to a lack of essential grantsmanship skills which in turn has resulted in many talented researchers struggling to access the financial support necessary to advance their work and make meaningful impact in the global scientific community. 

The Guest speaker, Prof. E. Olatunde Farombi in his presentation made recommendations to researchers and postgraduate students on how to   identify grant opportunities,  gain insight on how grant proposals are written, and budget planning reporting  processes amongst other areas.

Prof. Farombi stated that understanding proposal writing is one of the key requirements for accessing grants because of the competitive nature of grant seeking

. He therefore, called on researchers to put in their best in seeking for grant which has laudable rewards.

Prof. Farombi emphasized that in drafting a budget, guidelines for allowable costs, scope of work, program announcement and what budget should include must be considered to avoid failure. He gave some features of successful grant applicants to include; excellent communication skills, keeping to instructions, submission, learning from previous mistakes and keeping of track records. He further advised that application, preparation, patience and persistence, improvement on errors committed, matching research work with funds opportunities are crucial for research funding.