Edited by Olamide Olasupo
The Faculty of Business and Communication Studies at The Polytechnic Ibadan hosted a transformative workshop titled "Writing a Successful Research Grant" on Thursday, May 29, 2025. The workshop explored the fundamentals of grant writing and how to leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a supportive tool in the process.
The facilitator, Dr. Titus Stephen Olusegun, an Associate Professor in the Department of Music at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, and an AVH Experienced Scholar at Konstanz University, Germany, emphasized the importance of acquiring grant writing skills and the opportunities they can unlock.
> “Grant writing is a game changer. It is possible to get a grant, even as a music student. Start today—set aside two hours each day to apply for grants,” he encouraged.
In two dynamic sessions, Dr. Titus covered key aspects of grant writing, including its academic and societal relevance, categories of grants and fellowships, proposal ideation, structuring, and sourcing funding opportunities. He also highlighted AI’s role in the process, advising participants to use AI wisely.
> “Don’t rely too heavily on AI. It should assist with grammar corrections, offer templates, and provide examples of sponsors or related projects—but it should not write your proposals for you,” he cautioned.
The first session, which lasted two hours, concluded with an engaging Q&A segment, during which participants sought practical advice and clarity on core concepts. The workshop opened with a captivating musical performance by students from the Department of Music and was formally declared open by the Dean of the Faculty, Dr. Kehinde Faniyi.
Dr. Titus elaborated on the distinctions between grants and fellowships, noting that:
> “Grants finance specific projects, while fellowships support individual academic or professional development.”
The second session, which lasted 40 minutes, featured an interactive group activity. Participants were tasked with brainstorming innovative project ideas and drafting brief proposals within 10 minutes, simulating real-world grant application scenarios. This hands-on exercise enabled attendees to apply what they had learned in a practical setting.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mr. Adedokun, who commended Dr. Omokehinde Faniyi, Dean of the Faculty, for providing the platform for such a valuable academic engagement. He also praised Dr. Titus for equipping participants with essential skills to secure funding from both internal and external sources.
The workshop showcased the Faculty of Business and Communication Studies’ commitment—and that of The Polytechnic Ibadan as a whole—to fostering research excellence and empowering its academic community with modern, AI-enhanced tools for effective grant writing.
The event was well attended by prominent members of the academic community, The deputy rector representing the rector, The Dean of the Faculty, including the Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Studies, the Dean of Student Affairs, various Heads of Departments, and other notable dignitaries.