In a significant move to address critical challenges in health, food security, and national development, Nigeria has officially launched the 'Grand Challenges Nigeria (GCNg)' initiative. This program, part of the Global Grand Challenges network, aims to catalyse transformative research and innovation to provide locally tailored solutions to the country’s most pressing issues.
The launch ceremony, held in Abuja, was attended by prominent leaders, including Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima and the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji. Both leaders underscored the importance of this initiative, describing it as a pivotal step in leveraging Nigeria’s potential to contribute to global health and development efforts through science and innovation.
GCNg joins the Global Grand Challenges family, a network established in 2003 to foster groundbreaking solutions to global health and development problems. Nigeria is now the seventh African country to join the initiative, alongside South Africa, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Botswana, Malawi, and Senegal.
The program is being implemented by the Nutrition Society of Nigeria (NSN) in collaboration with key partners such as the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), FHI360, Dalberg Global Development Advisory, and the Aliko Dangote Foundation. The initiative seeks to integrate scientific discovery and innovation into Nigeria’s national strategy, ensuring solutions are both sustainable and impactful.
Professor Salisu Maiwada Abubakar, President of the Nutrition Society of Nigeria, highlighted the collaborative spirit of GCNg. He explained that the initiative is designed not only to bridge critical gaps in the health and development sectors but also to build on the successes of existing projects. It aims to foster partnerships across public and private sectors, academia, and local communities, ensuring an inclusive approach to problem-solving.
As part of its launch, GCNg has introduced its first Request for Proposals (RFP) under the theme “Advancing Innovative Solutions for Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health.” The program will provide grants of up to ?60 million to support 10 innovative projects over a 12–15-month period. These projects will focus on developing scalable, science-driven solutions to improve the well-being of women, children, and vulnerable populations.
According to Professor Folake Samuel, Program Director and Technical Lead of GCNg, the initiative has immense potential to transform Nigeria’s health landscape. She emphasised the need for solutions that are both science-driven and scalable, adding that this first RFP is designed to inspire groundbreaking innovations that prioritize the needs of the most vulnerable.
Regional and global stakeholders have widely applauded the launch. Professor Tom Kariuki, CEO of the Science for Africa Foundation, praised the initiative, stating that Nigeria’s inclusion in the Grand Challenges network highlights the country’s commitment to advancing health solutions and fostering innovation across Africa. He noted that this move strengthens the collective mission to address the continent’s most pressing challenges.
Globally, the Grand Challenges Network has invested over $1.6 billion in 118 countries, creating a vibrant community of researchers and innovators. Nigeria’s entry into the network not only positions the country to address its challenges but also enhances its role in contributing to global scientific advancements.
With this initiative, Nigeria is poised to find innovative solutions to systemic health and development issues, ensuring a brighter future for its citizens and reinforcing its role as a key player in global innovation efforts.
Article by Jed Mwangi
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