Apply Now: Grooming Centre Research Grant Offers ₦200,000
Nigerian university and polytechnic students can apply for the 2026 Grooming Centre University Research Grant.
There is an offer of financial support of up to ₦200,000 to eligible students researching financial inclusion, enterprise development, poverty reduction and other related areas.
The scheme, organised by Grooming People for Better Livelihood Centre in collaboration with the Centre for Research in Enterprise and Action in Management (CREM), aims to encourage practical, innovative and evidence-based research that can contribute to Nigeria’s economic and social development.
According to the programme’s official website, the 2026 edition will support 150 students, comprising 100 undergraduate students and 50 postgraduate students. The total funding pool is ₦20 million.
Under the funding arrangement, successful undergraduate applicants will receive ₦100,000 each, while postgraduate beneficiaries will receive ₦200,000 each to support their research projects.
Applications opened on August 31, 2026, and will close on October 23, 2026. Interested candidates are encouraged to prepare their research proposals and supporting documents before the deadline.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Grooming Centre University Research Grant 2026, applicants must meet the following conditions:
Be a final-year undergraduate or postgraduate student conducting research at an eligible Nigerian tertiary institution.
Be enrolled in a university or polytechnic approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC) or the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
Have a research topic relevant to the programme’s focus areas and applicable to the Nigerian context.
Demonstrate originality, practical value and evidence-based research methods.
Provide a written and signed recommendation from their project supervisor.
The programme states that there are no restrictions based on age, gender, religion or ethnicity.
Research Areas Covered
Eligible research proposals may focus on:
Financial inclusion and microfinance
Rural development
Social enterprise and small businesses
Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs)
Technological development and digital finance
Youth development
Women’s development and empowerment
Other research initiatives aimed at poverty reduction and improved livelihoods.
Applicants should ensure their proposals demonstrate how their research could contribute to enterprise development, financial access or social and economic progress in Nigeria.
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare the following documents before starting their applications:
A recent passport photograph.
A research proposal following the programme’s prescribed structure.
A personal profile or academic biography of no more than two pages, uploaded as a PDF.
A written and signed recommendation from their project supervisor, uploaded as a PDF.
The online application form specifies a research proposal of between 10 and 15 pages. The main requirements page, however, refers to 10–20 pages, so applicants should follow the current application form or contact the organisers for clarification. The programme also specifies Microsoft Word formatting, Times New Roman font, 12-point size and 1.5 line spacing.
How to Apply for the Grooming Centre Research Grant
Interested and qualified candidates can follow these steps:
Visit the official Grooming Centre University Research Grant website.
Review the eligibility requirements and download the research abstract guide.
Prepare a research proposal that follows the prescribed structure and addresses an eligible research area.
Obtain a signed recommendation from your project supervisor.
Complete the online application form with your personal and academic details.
Upload your passport photograph, supervisor’s recommendation, personal profile and research proposal.
Review your submission and submit the application before the deadline.
Application portal: Apply for the Grooming Centre University Research Grant 2026.
Application Deadline
The closing date for the 2026 Grooming Centre University Research Grant is October 23, 2026. Applications opened on August 31, 2026. Applicants should submit their documents ahead of the deadline to allow time to address any errors or missing requirements.
For enquiries, applicants can contact the programme administrators on 090-1323-4481. The programme is managed by the Centre for Research in Enterprise and Action in Management (CREM), located in Ejigbo, Lagos.
