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Nigerian Researchers Gain Access to EU’s €100 Billion Horizon Europe Research Funding
Nigerian Researchers Gain Access to EU’s €100 Billion Horizon Europe Research Funding
The European Union has announced that Nigerian researchers can now participate in its flagship research and innovation program — Horizon Europe, a €100 billion funding initiative designed to promote global scientific collaboration, technological advancement, and sustainable economic growth.
The EU made this known during the University of Lagos’ 18th Annual Research Conference, emphasizing a new phase of partnership aimed at boosting Nigeria’s research and innovation capacity, especially in digital transformation, renewable energy, climate resilience, and health technology.
Nigeria Joins Horizon Europe: A Landmark Opportunity for Researchers
Speaking at the event, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, stated that the inclusion of Nigeria in the Horizon Europe program marks a major step toward creating stronger ties in science, technology, and innovation between Europe and Africa.
According to Mignot, science is most powerful when it transcends borders, adding that the EU is committed to empowering Nigerian scientists, innovators, and entrepreneurs to develop research that drives digital and green transformation.
“Science works best when it is universal. The European Union is proud to collaborate with Nigeria in building a future where research connects people and drives progress across sectors,”
— Gautier Mignot, EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS.
New EU–Nigeria Science and Innovation Agreement Proposed
The Ambassador also disclosed that the European Commission has proposed a Science, Technology, and Innovation Agreement with Nigeria. This forthcoming partnership will enable more academic exchanges, joint research projects, and technology investments between Nigerian institutions and European counterparts.
“This agreement will bring researchers, innovators, and universities from both regions closer together,” Mignot noted. “It will help position Nigeria as a leading innovation hub and open more opportunities for young African researchers.”
University of Lagos Commends EU Partnership
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Professor Folasade Ogunsola, praised the European Union for supporting research development in Nigeria. She described the partnership as a turning point for the nation’s academic and innovation landscape.
“Africa must embrace innovation that addresses our realities. Partnerships like this transform research into practical solutions — from clean energy to healthcare and artificial intelligence,”
— Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos.
Ogunsola revealed that UNILAG is already investing in a Human-Centred Artificial Intelligence (AI) Research Hub, focusing on ethical and inclusive innovation that benefits African communities.
Students Embrace Research Transformation
A postgraduate researcher at the University of Lagos, Salami Mayowa Michael, expressed optimism about the EU’s involvement, noting that AI and global collaboration are changing how students and scholars conduct research.
He said, “With EU-backed initiatives like Horizon Europe, Nigerian researchers can access global data, partner with experts across continents, and apply advanced tools like drones and machine learning to real-world problems.”
About Horizon Europe
Horizon Europe is the European Union’s most ambitious research and innovation program, with a budget of €93.5 billion (2021–2027). It aims to strengthen scientific excellence, enhance industrial competitiveness, and drive sustainable development worldwide.
The program focuses on three main pillars:
- Excellent Science – funding world-class research and academic training.
- Global Challenges and Industrial Competitiveness – supporting innovation in energy, health, digital technology, and climate adaptation.
- Civil Science and Border Regions – fostering collaborative and inclusive research across regions.
So far, Horizon Europe has funded over 15,000 research projects globally, with a combined value exceeding €43 billion. The initiative is projected to deliver up to €6 in economic benefit for every €1 invested by 2045.
Participating countries include EU Member States and associated nations such as South Korea and Switzerland, with more partnerships expected in the coming years.
Nigeria’s Future in Global Research
With this new inclusion, Nigeria joins the growing list of countries benefiting from EU-backed research collaborations. Experts believe this development will not only strengthen Nigeria’s academic ecosystem but also attract foreign investment, support innovation-driven startups, and enhance job creation in science and technology sectors.
For Nigerian universities, innovators, and young entrepreneurs, this is an opportunity to access international funding, advanced research tools, and global mentorship networks that can transform ideas into impactful solutions.
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