MOUAU Vice Chancellor Calls for Enhanced Research Funding for National Development
MOUAU Vice Chancellor advocates for increased research funding to drive national development at End-of-Projects Seminar.
Mary Nwaeze 
In a bid to underscore the pivotal role of research in fostering national development, the Vice-Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), has urged for increased funding in research projects. Speaking at the End-Of-Projects Seminar organized by the Directorate of University Research Administration (DURA) at MOUAU's Anyim Pius Anyim’s Auditorium, the Vice-Chancellor emphasized the imperative of adequate funding from government, critical stakeholders, and policymakers to actualize meaningful national development through research endeavors.
Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Prof. Udo Herbert, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, highlighted the symbiotic relationship between research and development, stressing that proper research lays the foundation for effective development policies. He urged researchers to view their reports not only as academic achievements but also as essential tools for addressing societal needs and propelling national growth.
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Moreover, Prof. Iwe called upon bodies like the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to streamline their funding processes and ensure timely disbursement of funds. He advocated for a review of the funding formula to enable researchers to carry out their projects seamlessly and submit findings promptly, underscoring the need for commitment and accountability among scholars.
Meanwhile, the Director of DURA, Prof. K J. Simonyan, outlined the procedural aspects of accessing TETFund research grants, emphasizing the importance of adhering to monitoring mechanisms. He stressed the need for researchers to embrace transparency and cooperate with monitoring teams to ensure compliance with funding provisions.
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During the seminar, sixteen research projects were presented, with certificates of successful completion awarded to the respective teams. The event saw the participation of university officials, past and present Deans, Directors, and other stakeholders from various academic units, affirming the collective commitment towards advancing research initiatives for national development.
The seminar served as a platform for robust discussions and exchanges, further underscoring MOUAU's dedication to fostering a vibrant research ecosystem conducive to innovation, knowledge creation, and societal impact.
