By Nusaiba Ibrahim
The African Centre of Excellence for Population Health and Policy (ACEPHAP) has concluded a five-day Grantsmanship Training in Zaria, Kaduna State, aimed at strengthening the research development and grant-writing skills of researchers and academics. The training, which ran from August 31 to September 4, 2026, featured contributions from experienced facilitators, including Prof. Baba Maiyaki, Dr Ibrahim Nashabaru, Dr Fatima Muhammad, Prof. Taiwo Amole, Prof. Zubaida Faruq, Dr Garzali Ibrahim Umar and Dr Mansur Ramalan.
The training was designed to equip participants with the practical knowledge and skills needed to develop strong research ideas, identify relevant funding opportunities and prepare competitive grant proposals. Sessions covered the funding landscape and major funding agencies, strategies for matching research interests with appropriate opportunities, and approaches to crafting compelling research questions and hypotheses, demonstrating the significance and innovation of research ideas, and building strong, complementary research teams.
Key topics covered included responsible conduct of research and research ethics, literature searching using PubMed, research methodology, and observational epidemiological study designs and clinical trials. Participants also examined institutional support for grant development, the translational potential of research, and the principles of developing realistic, effective research budgets.
Organisers described the training as well attended, with participants engaging actively throughout the sessions. ACEPHAP said the programme reflects its continued commitment to equipping researchers with the knowledge, skills and resources needed to develop impactful research and compete for funding that advances health and development outcomes across Africa.
