Nigeria Takes Charge: Igniting Homegrown Solutions for a Healthier Nation
Can Innovation Spur Development? Grand Challenges Nigeria Accepts the Challenge.
Grand Challenges Nigeria (GCNg) has officially launched, marking a significant milestone in the nation's journey towards a healthier future. The initiative officially launched on November 18, 2024, at the State House, Abuja in partnership with the Nutrition Society of Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, and the Office of the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This ambitious initiative aims to ignite homegrown innovation and tackle critical health and development challenges head-on. GCNg will work with the government and key stakeholders to set the innovation agenda and fund researchers, scientists, and development practitioners to lead the charge on this commitment.
The launch event, which was live-streamed, followed a two-part format. The first part, the Technical Session, led with an “Introduction to Grand Challenges Nigeria” by Professor Folake Samuel, Program Director and Technical Lead. A panel discussion, moderated by Professor Samuel and Chimdindu Onwudiegwu of Dalberg Global Development Advisors, explored the theme "Driving Innovation for a Sustainable Future for Nigerians." The panel boasted a diverse group of experts, including: Dr. Peter Ameh, Medical Operations Lead at Helium Health; Mr. Adeyemi Adebayo, Director of Health and Biomedical Sciences at the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology; Dr. Moses Alobo, Head of Programmes at the Science for Africa Foundation; Professor Olaoluwa Pheabian Akinwale, Director of Neglected Tropical Disease Research at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research; Professor Lateef Sanni, Executive Director of the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute; and Ekenem Isichei, Deputy Director of Policy, Advocacy, and Communications at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Following the panel discussion, attendees had the opportunity to explore an engaging physical showcase and video documentary highlighting impactful projects by Nigerian grantees of other Grand Challenges programs. This exhibition highlighted the innovative work already being done by Nigerian researchers and scientists to address critical health and development challenges. Professor Folake Samuel, Program Director and Technical Lead of Grand Challenges Nigeria, led His Excellency, the Vice President, and other distinguished guests on a tour of the showcase.
You can re-immerse in the pictures from the projects' gallery showcase below and relive the experience.
The second part of the event focused on the official launch and RFP announcements. Mrs. Uju Vanstasia Anwukah, Special Assistant to the President on Public Health, gave opening remarks, followed by a welcome address by Professor Salisu Abubakar, President of the Nutrition Society of Nigeria. Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives from Grand Challenges Canada, the Science for Africa Foundation, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and Hon. Chike Okafor, Chairman of the House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security. His Highness, Muhammad Sanusi II, CON, PhD (London), Emir of Kano and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Nutrition Society of Nigeria, gave a special remark and Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, Honourable Minister of the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, delivered the keynote address.
Prof. Hafiz Abubakar, former Deputy Governor of Kano State and Member of the Board of Trustees of the Nutrition Society of Nigeria, then gave a Vote of Thanks, acknowledging the contributions of all the partners and stakeholders who made the launch event possible. Following the Vote of Thanks, His Excellency, Sen. Kashim Shettima GCON, the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, officially launched Grand Challenges Nigeria and announced the RFP.
A Bold New Chapter: GCNg's First RFP Targets Maternal and Child Health
The first RFP focuses on maternal, newborn, and child health. This is a critical area of need in Nigeria, which has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world. GCNg is seeking proposals for innovative solutions that can help to improve the health and well-being of mothers and children in Nigeria.
Researchers, scientists, and development practitioners are encouraged to apply for funding. GCNg is particularly interested in proposals that are led by Nigerian innovators and that have the potential to be scaled up to reach a large population.
First RFP Information Session for the "Advancing Innovative Solutions for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health" Request for Proposals
On Friday, 13th December 2024, we hosted a virtual Grand Challenges Nigeria (GCNg) Grant Application Information Session, where we walked applicants to the “Advancing Innovative Solution for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health” RFP through the grant proposal process.
Some of what we covered:
An overview of the RFP and its key objectives.
Guidance on the application process and eligibility criteria.
Proposal development tips, including how to showcase impact, scalability, and innovation.
Q&A.
You can watch the recording of the session at the link below.
In addition to the Nutrition Society of Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the Office of the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Grand Challenges Nigeria is grateful to the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute, FHI360, Dalberg Global Development Advisory, and the Aliko Dangote Foundation who constitute the Grand Challenges Nigeria Project Advisory Board for their early vision and foresight.
