Advancing Education through Research, Leadership, and Policy

 

Lecturers and researchers in tertiary institutions are not only educators, but they are also nation builders and knowledge architects. The AFFiT Research Fellowship (RFA) is a prestigious induction for lecturers in Colleges of Education and other higher institutions who exemplify academic excellence, research leadership, and a passion for transforming teacher education in Africa.

 

This fellowship marks a professional elevation into a continental network of scholars committed to research-informed teaching, policy reform, and mentorship. As a Research Fellow, you are recognized not just for what you have achieved but for your commitment to shaping the future of education through innovation, collaboration, and evidence-based practice.

 

Eligibility Criteria:

  •       Minimum of one year in teaching or academic administration
  •       Proven interest in research, mentorship, and academic innovation
  •       Clean professional record and institutional endorsement
  •       Open to educators across disciplines: sciences, humanities, curriculum studies, vocational and technical education, etc.

 

Induction Process:

  1.   Application or Nomination: Through individual expression of interest or institutional recommendation.
  2.     Orientation Workshop for all Prospective Inductees.

AFFiT convenes an Orientation Workshop for all prospective inductees, designed to align lecturers with AFFiT’s vision, values, and strategic research agenda for Africa. This workshop serves as the foundational engagement platform through which inductees are introduced to AFFiT as a movement, not merely a programme, and positioned as critical actors in building a robust, solution-driven research ecosystem for Africa’s education sector and beyond.

  1.   Induction Fellowship Ceremony: Formal recognition with a certificate, branded materials, and an institutional badge of honor.

 

Life as an AFFiT Research Fellow:

  •       Lead and collaborate on funded research projects
  •       Access grants, international conferences, and publication platforms
  •       Mentor student teachers and contribute to AFFiT’s knowledge ecosystem
  •       Influence education policy through research briefs and innovation blueprints
  •       Join think tanks and participate in institutional reform panels

 

STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK AND AREAS OF INTEREST FOR RESEARCH FELLOWS

 

  1. AFFiT APPLIED SOLUTIONS RESEARCH INITIATIVE (ASRI)

The AFFiT Applied Solutions Research Initiative is a practical and impact-driven research framework designed to address real challenges within Nigeria’s education system and broader society. It focuses on colleges, state, and federal-level environments, enabling AFFiT Research Fellows to strengthen their research capacity, develop solution-oriented studies, and gain access to competitive research funding. Through this initiative, AFFiT bridges the gap between academic research and real-world implementation.

 

PROGRAMS UNDER THIS FRAMEWORK

  •       AFFiT Scholarship and Research Grant Award

This program supports teachers and lecturers to further their education, enhance professional competencies, and acquire advanced research skills. It is exclusively available to inducted AFFiT Research Fellows. When applications open, calls for proposals are publicly announced across all AFFiT platforms, ensuring transparency and equal opportunity. Successful applicants receive financial and technical support to advance their academic and research pursuits.

 

  •       Special Research Grants for Lecturers in Technology, Agriculture, and Related Fields

This is a year-round grant window dedicated to lecturers and researchers whose work focuses on technology, agriculture, and allied sectors. Priority is given to innovative, solution-driven research with strong potential for practical application, economic impact, and societal development.

 

  •       Distribution of Technology Devices

To strengthen research productivity, AFFiT provides high-quality branded devices, such as laptops and tablet devices, to lecturers and researchers. These devices support data collection, analysis, writing, and collaboration. The program operates on a flexible and well-structured repayment model, making essential research tools accessible to all interested fellows.

 

 

 

  1. AFFiT INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCH NETWORK (IRN)

The AFFiT Institutional Research Network is designed to strengthen institutional research culture, leadership excellence, and collaborative innovation across Colleges of Education and related institutions. This framework promotes healthy competition, knowledge sharing, institutional visibility, and leadership accountability while positioning institutions as hubs of research excellence.

 

Programs under this Framework

 

      Best College of Education of the Year Award

This annual award recognizes Colleges of Education that demonstrate outstanding performance in research output, staff development, innovation, governance, and institutional impact. The award encourages excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement across institutions.

 

      Best Lecturer of the Year Award

This program celebrates lecturers who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to teaching, research, innovation, mentorship, and community service. It highlights role models within the education sector and promotes a culture of excellence among educators.

 

      Best Provost of the Year Award

The Best Provost of the Year Award honors Provosts who exhibit visionary leadership, institutional transformation, research support, staff welfare advancement, and effective administration. It reinforces leadership responsibility and innovation within tertiary education management.

 

      Continental Research Exchange Program

This program promotes structured partnerships and collaborative research between AFFiT Research Fellows and academic institutions across Africa. Through joint research projects, exchange visits, and shared publications, the program strengthens continental cooperation, advances educational and economic development, and fosters African-led solutions to shared challenges.

 

      Global Research Exchange Program

The Global Research Exchange Program expands AFFiT’s research collaboration beyond Africa by connecting AFFiT Research Fellows with leading global institutions, research centers, and international scholars. The program facilitates joint research, knowledge transfer, access to global funding opportunities, exposure to international best practices, and increased global visibility for African research outputs.

 

  1. AFFiT INDUSTRY COLLABORATION AND GLOBAL ALIGNMENT

This framework is designed to transition research from theory to practice by aligning AFFiT Research Fellows with industry needs, global standards, and innovation ecosystems. It ensures that research outputs are relevant, scalable, protected, and commercially viable while empowering researchers with practical industry experience.

 

Programs under this Framework

 

      AFFiT Research Intellectual Property and Patenting System

This program provides a structured pathway for identifying, protecting, and commercializing solution-driven research outputs. All approved research with industry relevance and implementation potential shall be patented where applicable. AFFiT and the researcher shall jointly own the intellectual property under clearly defined agreements, ensuring recognition, protection, and long-term value creation.

 

      AFFiT Researcher Industry Internship and Residency Program

This program places AFFiT Researchers whose work is solution-driven, patented, and industry-ready into relevant industries for implementation. Researchers become part of execution teams within the industries their research addresses, gaining hands-on experience, practical skills, and expanded professional networks. Participants are eligible to earn royalties over an agreed period or for life, depending on the commercialization structure.

 

      AFFiT Research Ethics, Integrity, and Legal Framework (REILF)

REILF establishes a robust ethical and legal foundation for all AFFiT research activities. The program brings together experienced legal practitioners, ethics experts, and policy specialists to protect researchers’ rights, safeguard intellectual property, promote responsible research conduct, and provide continuous training on research ethics, compliance, and legal obligations within the AFFiT community.

 

OTHER ANNUAL PROGRAMS

  •       AFFiT National Research Conference
  •       Best Researcher of the Year Award
  •       Best Vice-Chancellor of the Year Award
  •       International Educators Conference
  •       Etc.

 

Advanced Research Fellowship Skills Include:

  •       Educational research, data analysis, and grant writing
  •       Curriculum innovation, technology integration, and policy engagement
  •       Academic mentorship, M&E strategies, and Edupreneurship
  •       Climate education, AI in pedagogy, and global best practices.