Going from strength to strength in its pursuit of becoming a world-class leading research-intensive Institution, Summit University, Offa, Kwara State Nigeria, organized a two-day hands-on Grant Writing workshop on Developing an Award-winning Concept Note.
The workshop intended to provide participants with the knowledge and skills needed to develop a compelling concept note for funding opportunities.
In his opening speech, the amiable Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abiodun Musa Aibinu dubbed the workshop a 'Training of Trainers" initiative where participants won't only gain knowledge and skills but also share with others in their respective fields and institutions.
He stated that by the end of the workshop, participants will have the skills and confidence to develop a successful concept note that can help secure funding for their projects from TETFUND and other funding organizations.
With the members of the Innovation and Advanced Science Research Group (IASRG) in attendance, other participants included distinguished representatives from Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin; Federal Polytechnic, Offa; Federal Polytechnic, Ayede; One Innovation Hub, Offa; the Offa Talent Pool, Offa; amongst others.
The erudite scholar also lamented on the numerous ideas developed by graduates that are crippled by the absence of innovation funds capable of translating the laboratory model into market-ready model. And that a lot of people are not aware of opportunities from organizations, at home and abroad, free of charge. Hence, a need for grant writing skills, regardless of one's position in an institution and society.
He further stressed that Grant Writing (Grantsmanship) is a full-time job that requires their best efforts because no organization will give you free money unless they are convinced of your need for it.
In the first session, Professor Aibinu introduced the participants to Concept Notes, which is a brief outline of the project one wants to work on the content may include an introduction, Background, Objective, Result, and Budget Overview.
With no more than two pages and 1,500 words, a concept note is required to be brief and concise with clearly stated ideas targeting the right audience.
Other members of the IASRG research team also contributed their knowledge throughout the 2-day training: Mr. Umar Faruq Uthman on How to Form a Relationship with Your Funder and Drafting Your Concept Note; Mr M. Suleiman on Developing the Research Objectives and Problem Statement; Mrs Mutiat Mohammed on Defining the Problem Statement, and Presenting Your Concept Note.
Each session featured a Do-It-Yourself segment where the trainers practiced developing a project title, problem statement tree, research objectives, introduction, and novelty, amongst others.
Participants also got to present their concept notes, ask questions and receive feedback from other trainers.