The importance of timing, mindset, collaboration, and a balanced approach to the art and science of grantsmanship took centre stage during a 2-day workshop on writing competitive grant proposals, organised by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NIDLS) of the National Assembly in Abuja, Nigeria.
Delivering his presentation as a resource person titled “Guide to Crafting a Compelling Grant Proposal/Concept Note” on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, Professor Evans Osabuohien, the Founding Chair of DePECOS Institutions and Development Research Centre (DIaDeRC), emphasised that grant writing is not a “beggarly process” but a partnership of mutual benefit. “The success of the grantee is the testimony of the grantor,” he stated, which was a cheering illumination for the participants as they echo enthusiastically.
Professor Osabuohien likened the process of grant writing to a marathon, requiring perseverance and long-term commitment. “Grant winning is not a sprint but a marathon; it’s not ‘hit and run’ but ‘hit and stick,’” he said, urging participants to focus on value creation and societal impact rather than pecuniary gains. He added, “Approach grantsmanship from a point of abundance, not from a lacking or deprived perspective.”
Drawing from his vast experience of over two decades including his role as the coordinator of the African Scholars Mentorship Network (ASMN), Professor Osabuohien highlighted key elements for crafting successful proposals: the need to understand the Funder’s requirements by always checking the eligibility criteria, priority alignment, and deadlines.
He tasks the audience to do well in defining the problem clearly, as a well-articulated problem statement sets the stage for addressing challenges the research seeks to solve. He called for precision in research questions, noting that research questions should be concise, specific, and aligned with the funder’s agenda. While good writing (art) is essential, a weak concept (science) cannot succeed, and vice versa. “Poor grantsmanship often turns good science into an ‘unfundable’ proposal,” he added.
The Professor of Economics and two-termed Head of Department at Covenant University charged his NILDS’ audience to always submit their applications early to avoid last-minute errors, and always maintain transparency and accountability throughout the project.
Professor Osabuohien while addressing the need for resilience in the face of rejection encouraged participants to view them as stepping stones, saying, “Rejection is not a death sentence. There is always an acceptance somewhere after several rejections.” So, continuity and perseverance are crucial in grantsmanship, he re-emphasised. He also stressed the importance of teamwork, advising researchers to highlight the strengths and skillsets of their team members in proposals to enhance feasibility and credibility.
In his concluding remarks, Professor Osabuohien further noted the practicality of grant-winning, including the need for a well-justified budget, ethical considerations, risk management, and ongoing communication with funders.
This was reported in the Eduction Section of a National Newspaper (Daily Independent, Wednesday, December 18, 2024, page 19), which is appended below.
View full report HERE
