Four academics at the Federal University Oye Ekiti have secured a combined N89.964m in National Research Fund grants from the Federal Government to pursue projects addressing unemployment, education, pharmaceutical innovation, and healthcare challenges.

The Vice Chancellor of the Federal University Oye Ekiti, Prof Joshua Ogunwole, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists on Monday, noting that the researchers emerged successful in the highly competitive National Research Fund selection process.

Among the beneficiaries is Prof Omotosho Joshua, who secured N19.964m for his project titled "Towards Addressing Unemployment Situation in Nigerian Formal Labour Market."

Dr Adeniyi Florence, a Reader in the Department of Educational Management, received N20m for her study "From Chalkboards to Intelligent Systems: Comparative Analysis of Traditional and AI Driven Teaching in Nigerian Federal Universities for Global Competitiveness."

Dr Ojo Kayode, a Reader in the Department of Microbiology, was awarded N21m for his research on developing innovative cosmetic formulations using fungal melanin for hair growth enhancement, follicle preservation and dandruff management.

Dr Adeleye Ademola, a Reader in the Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, secured N29m for his project titled "Combating Diabetic Wounds Using Natural Remedy with Ethosomal Hydrogel Topical Delivery."

Congratulating the beneficiaries, Ogunwole described the grants as a testament to the quality of scholarship at the University and reaffirmed the institution's commitment to supporting cutting edge research.

"The grants are evidence of the quality of scholarship in the University. Our management is committed to creating an enabling environment for cutting edge research, innovation and academic excellence," he stated.

He added that the achievement underscored FUOYE's growing reputation as a research driven institution, noting that the feat reflected the University's rising profile as a centre of research excellence.

Ogunwole expressed confidence that the funded projects would generate impactful solutions to pressing national challenges while boosting the University's global visibility.