MOUAU Urges Researchers to Focus on Impact-Driven Research, Grant Opportunities

The Directorate of University Research Administration (DURA) at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), has called on academic staff to prioritise impactful, solution-driven research and take advantage of research funding opportunities to strengthen the university's research culture and improve its global ranking.

The call was made during a sensitisation tour of the university's colleges and centres, where the Director of DURA, Prof. Dozie Ndubisi Onunkwo, engaged researchers on emerging grant opportunities and strategies for enhancing research productivity.

According to Prof. Onunkwo, the initiative was designed to expose academic staff to available funding opportunities while identifying challenges limiting research output and access to competitive grants.

He stressed that the strength of a university should be measured by the quality and impact of its research rather than its physical infrastructure, urging researchers to move beyond conducting studies solely for academic promotion.

The DURA Director encouraged staff to pursue innovative research capable of addressing societal challenges, attracting international recognition and securing competitive grants.

While noting that MOUAU has recorded improvements in global university rankings, Prof. Onunkwo said greater commitment is needed to sustain research excellence and increase the institution's success in attracting research funding.

He reaffirmed the Directorate's commitment to promoting innovation, collaboration and mentorship by providing researchers with timely information on funding opportunities and international best practices.

Prof. Onunkwo also disclosed that the university plans to appoint research desk officers to support academic staff and simplify the grant application process.

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 and research units, describing the initiative as timely and beneficial.

The interactive session also gave participants the opportunity to discuss challenges affecting research activities and grant applications.

The participants advocated the establishment of college-based research offices and the introduction of structured mentor-mentee programmes to strengthen research capacity and promote excellence across the university.