Nkechinyere Ewa
David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUHS), Uburu, has taken a bold step toward strengthening Nigeria’s research ecosystem as it hosted a groundbreaking summit on Inter-University Collaboration, Access to TETFund National Research Fund, and Moving Research to Policy in Nigeria
The event took place in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State over the weekend.
The summit brought together principal officers, provosts, deans, and directors of research, ICT, and academic planning from universities and tertiary institutions across Ebonyi State.
Jesse Uneke, Vice Chancellor of DUFUHS, in his address of welcome, said the initiative marked the beginning of a coordinated effort to harness the collective research strengths of universities for national development.
“This summit is about building bridges. No university can thrive in isolation. By working together, we can access research funding that individual efforts cannot secure and generate evidence that directly informs policy,” Prof. Uneke said.
He added that the summit would become an annual event to deepen academic partnerships and that subsequent editions would include private universities to expand the scope of collaboration.
Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, former Vice Chancellor, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike; Prof. Akanerem Essien, former Vice Chancellor, University of Uyo; and Dr. Kamil Shoretire, Director of Health Research, Planning, and Statistics at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Development, emphasized the need for collaborative research, evidence-based policymaking, and improved access to TETFund resources to strengthen Nigeria’s innovation landscape.
Prof. Michael Awoke Vice Chancellors EBSU, Prof. Ernest Egba (University of Science and Technology, Oferekpe Izzi), and Prof. Patrick Nwofe (vice Chancellor Aeronautics and Aerospace University) described Prof. Uneke as a visionary academic leader who has again positioned Ebonyi as a centre for research excellence.
Also speaking, Prof. Amari Omaka (SAN), Commissioner for Tertiary Education, and Prof. Nwogo Obasi, representing the Secretary to the State Government, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to advancing tertiary education under Governor Francis Nwifuru’s People’s Charter of Needs policy.
In his vote of thanks, Mr. Vitalis Ofor, Registrar of DUFUHS, hailed the summit as “enriching, impactful, and transformative,” noting that it has set a new benchmark for institutional collaboration and research visibility in Ebonyi and beyond.
The summit ended with a joint resolution by participants to pursue joint research projects, deepen inter-institutional partnerships, and translate research outputs into actionable policies that drive national development.