Apply as Researcher at IFRA-NIGERIA
CALL FOR RESEARCH APPLICATIONS
RESEARCH PROGRAMME: OBSERVING THE ELECTION PROCESS IN NIGERIA
ORGANIZATION: FRENCH INSTITUTE FOR RESEARCH IN NIGERIA (IFRA-NIGERIA)
LOCATION: NIGERIA
FIELDWORK PERIOD: DECEMBER 2026 TO FEBRUARY 2027
GRANT: EUR 500
DELIVERABLE: SCIENTIFIC PAPER
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 20 OCTOBER 2026
ABOUT THE RESEARCH PROGRAMME
The French Institute for Research in Nigeria (IFRA-Nigeria), based at the Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan, is launching an observatory focused on Nigeria’s 2027 elections.
The programme aims to produce socio-anthropological materials and fieldwork-based analysis of the electoral process and its short- and long-term impacts.
IFRA-Nigeria will fund four emerging Nigerian researchers to conduct fieldwork on different aspects of the election process, including voting patterns, public space dynamics, political violence, insecurity, voter inducement, hate speech, corruption, gender, vulnerable groups, electoral institutions, dissonant voices, rights-based mobilisation and minority group empowerment.
The programme also encourages research into less-studied questions and fresh analytical perspectives on Nigeria’s electoral process.
WHO CAN APPLY
Applicants must:
- Be a Nigerian researcher.
- Be currently enrolled as a Master’s student or have obtained at least a Master’s degree in a humanities or social sciences discipline.
- Demonstrate a strong interest in conducting research related to Nigeria’s electoral process.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Previous fieldwork experience.
- Hands-on experience with the methodological approach proposed in the research application.
- Strong research, analytical and writing skills.
RESEARCH APPROACH
Applicants are encouraged to adopt multimethod and qualitative approaches, including:
- Participant observation.
- Semi-structured interviews.
- Focus group discussions.
- Other appropriate fieldwork-based qualitative methods.
Proposals should demonstrate that the planned research is feasible and that fieldwork can be conducted without exposing the researcher or participants to unreasonable risks.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must submit the following in ONE PDF DOCUMENT:
- CV.
- Short cover letter of not more than 2 pages, explaining the applicant’s academic background and interest in working on this specific research programme.
- Fieldwork proposal of not more than 3 pages, excluding bibliography.
The fieldwork proposal should include:
- Research title.
- Background and rationale.
- Research questions.
- Methodological approach.
- Research schedule.
- Bibliography.
Applicants are encouraged to consult IFRA-Nigeria’s Research Proposal Writing Guide available through its Calls and Grants resources.
AI POLICY
Applicants must familiarise themselves with IFRA-Nigeria’s Artificial Intelligence policy before preparing their proposal.
Any violation of the AI policy, including failure to disclose the use of AI where required, may result in exclusion from IFRA-Nigeria opportunities and activities.
FIELDWORK PERIOD
December 2026 to February 2027.
RESEARCH OUTPUT
Selected researchers will be expected to produce a scientific paper based on their fieldwork and research findings.
GRANT
EUR 500 per selected researcher.
NUMBER OF RESEARCHERS
4 emerging Nigerian researchers will be supported under the programme.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
20 OCTOBER 2026
HOW TO APPLY
Applicants should combine their CV, cover letter and fieldwork proposal into ONE PDF DOCUMENT and send it to:
marie.lureau@ifra-nigeria.org
o.edafe@ifra-nigeria.org
IMPORTANT NOTICE
The proposed research must be realistic and ethically and practically feasible. Applicants should carefully consider security and conflict-related risks associated with their proposed fieldwork.
The programme seeks to promote new perspectives and analytical approaches to understanding Nigeria’s 2027 elections and encourages research that goes beyond commonly studied electoral issues.
