The Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike has called on its academic staff to prioritise impactful, solution-driven research and take advantage of local and international research grant opportunities to enhance the institution’s global competitiveness.
The charge was given by the Directorate of University Research Administration (DURA) during a sensitisation tour of the university’s colleges and centres aimed at strengthening research culture and improving research productivity.
Speaking during the exercise, the Director of DURA, Prof. Dozie Ndubisi Onunkwo, said the initiative was designed to expose researchers to emerging funding opportunities while identifying challenges limiting research output and grant acquisition.
According to him, the true measure of a university is not its physical infrastructure but the quality, relevance and societal impact of its research.
Prof. Onunkwo encouraged researchers to move beyond conducting studies solely for career advancement and instead focus on innovative research capable of addressing real-life challenges, attracting international recognition and securing competitive grants.
He acknowledged that MOUAU has made progress in global university rankings but stressed that sustained commitment to high-quality research and increased participation in grant-funded projects would further strengthen the institution’s academic reputation.
The DURA Director reaffirmed the Directorate’s commitment to fostering innovation, collaboration and mentorship by providing researchers with timely information on funding opportunities and best research practices.
He also disclosed that the university plans to appoint research desk officers to guide academics through the grant application process and improve access to research funding.
Responding on behalf of the colleges and centres, Deans, Directors and members of the academic staff commended DURA for taking the sensitisation programme directly to faculties, describing the initiative as timely and beneficial.
During the interactive session, participants highlighted several challenges affecting research activities and advocated the establishment of college-based research offices as well as structured mentor-mentee programmes to strengthen research capacity and promote academic excellence across the university.
MukTV News reports that the initiative forms part of MOUAU’s broader efforts to build a vibrant research culture, increase access to international funding opportunities and position the university as a leading centre for impactful research and innovation.
