UTILIZING GRANT WRITING SKILLS FOR ACCESS TO RESEARCH GRANTS BY ACADEMIC LIBRARIANS IN FEDERAL UNIVERSITIES IN NORTH CENTRAL STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examines the grant-writing skills of academic librarians in eight Federal Universities in North Central Nigeria focusing on available research grants, and skill proficiency. The article used descriptive survey research design and collected data using 146 questionnaires response which revealed that Institutional and Government-Funded Grants are prevalent, particularly at UNILORIN and UNIABUJA, while international and capacity-building grants are underutilized, especially at FUHTO. Librarians exhibit strong writing (49.3% very high extent) and research skills (43.2% very high extent) but lack proficiency in networking (24.0% low extent) and teamwork (21.2% very low extent). Key barriers include limited networking opportunities, competitive funding environments, and institutional support deficits, most pronounced at JOSTUM and UNILORIN. These findings highlight systemic gaps in training and support, limiting librarians' contributions to institutional research. Recommendations include structured professional development, inter-university mentorship, and dedicated grant-writing units to enhance librarians' funding success, aligning academic libraries with institutional and national research goals.