Academics and researchers in Nigerian universities and research institutions are set to benefit from up to 100 per cent funding for Master’s and PhD research projects under the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF) EMERGE programme, aimed at strengthening capacity and innovation in the mining sector.
The initiative, being implemented through the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, is designed to support research, exploration and development activities that will contribute to the growth of Nigeria’s solid minerals industry.
Under the SMDF-EMERGE funding window, researchers, universities and research institutions undertaking studies relevant to the mining sector will be eligible for full funding support, while licensed junior and early-stage mining companies as well as critical minerals-focused firms can access up to 70 per cent funding for exploration and processing technology projects.
Applications for the programme open on August 3, 2026.
The ministry said the research component of the initiative is focused on promoting knowledge creation, developing technical expertise and providing the scientific foundation required to transform Nigeria’s mineral resources into sustainable economic opportunities.
The programme is expected to support research in areas such as mineral exploration, geology, mining technology, mineral processing, critical minerals development and other fields relevant to the advancement of the sector.
Stakeholders said investing in research and human capital development was crucial to building a competitive mining industry capable of reducing reliance on imported expertise and technology.
Through the SMDF-EMERGE programme, the Federal Government is seeking to bridge the gap between academic research and industry needs by encouraging collaboration between universities, research institutions and mining operators.
Prospective applicants, including researchers, academics and mining sector stakeholders, have been encouraged to submit applications through the programme’s official portal.
The ministry stated that all applications would be assessed strictly on merit to ensure that funding supports impactful projects capable of contributing to the development of Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.
