In a strategic move to strengthen Nigeria’s role in shaping economic policy through innovative and evidence-based research, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced the opening of applications for its Knowledge Acceleration Programme (KAP) Thematic Workshops.
The initiative is designed to promote multidisciplinary research and thought leadership on key development issues that impact Nigeria’s socio-economic trajectory. Applications open Tuesday, July 15, 2025, while the workshops will take place in Abuja in three phases: August 4–5, 7–8, and 11–12, 2025.
In a circular issued by Aderinola Shonekan, Director of the CBN Research Department, the apex bank called on Nigerian scholars, economists, researchers, and policy practitioners from both academic and policy institutions to submit high-quality, competitive research proposals. The research must be focused on priority themes that align with Nigeria’s development agenda — namely: wealth creation, human development, and international competitiveness.
According to the circular, the KAP Thematic Workshops are part of the CBN’s broader drive to institutionalise knowledge generation as a key tool for policy development. “The Knowledge Acceleration Programme is a platform to bridge the gap between academia and policy by translating advanced research into practical solutions for Nigeria’s economic transformation,” the statement read.
Purpose and Objectives
The workshops aim to achieve several strategic objectives:
• Strengthen the quality of economic policymaking by embedding high-quality research and evidence into decision-making processes.
• Foster collaboration between academia, government, and development stakeholders.
• Promote policy innovation through multidisciplinary approaches to national challenges.
• Position Nigeria as a regional leader in development research and economic thought leadership.
The Bank noted that selected proposals will be presented and critiqued during the workshops, allowing researchers to engage in rigorous peer discussions and receive direct feedback from policymakers and domain experts. Final outputs may also be considered for publication or inclusion in CBN’s policy briefings.
Researchers are encouraged to explore cross-cutting themes such as:
• Fiscal and monetary policy coordination
• Human capital development and productivity
• Youth employment and entrepreneurship
• Regional trade and export competitiveness
• Sustainable finance and digital economy
• Gender inclusion and poverty reduction
Who Should Apply
The CBN specifically welcomes submissions from:
• Researchers in universities and research institutes
• Policy analysts and think tank professionals
• Graduate-level scholars with relevant experience
• Experts from international and development institutions working in Nigeria
Proposals will be evaluated based on originality, policy relevance, methodological rigour, and clarity of objectives. Successful applicants will be notified ahead of the workshops and supported with logistics to ensure full participation.
The Knowledge Acceleration Programme is expected to strengthen institutional knowledge frameworks within the country and support long-term economic resilience by fostering a pipeline of informed, research-backed solutions to Nigeria’s most pressing policy issues.
Interested applicants are advised to visit the CBN official website for detailed guidelines on submission requirements, deadlines, and evaluation criteria.
With this initiative, the CBN reaffirms its commitment to building a research-informed economic future — one in which policy is not only reactive but visionary, inclusive, and grounded in data.
