UNILAG And OAU Scholars Venture Into Strengthening Research Ethics

UNILAG Akoko And OAU Ile-Ife scholars venture takes decisive steps towards into strengthening research ethics.

Researchers at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka and Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, have taken decisive steps towards proffering lasting solutions to the sensitisation of academia about research ethics.

With a collaborative grant funded by the International Research & Exchanges Board (IREX), a research team drawn from UNILAG and OAU have designed sensitisation materials to improve the overall quality of research in both universities and by extension, Nigeria.

Having received training and a joint alumni grant as part of IREX University Administration Support Program (UASP), these researchers had scrutinised existing research structures & policies, to establish a formidable culture of research integrity and ethics.

Dubbed, the “Research Integrity & Ethics and Responsible Conduct of Research (RI&E and RCR)” Alumni Grant Team, these researchers, on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, unveiled the sensitisation materials on RI&E and RCR as well as an Electronic Management System for Ethical Approval Applications which they have developed.

Speaking on the team’s project titled “Entrenching Research Ethics and Integrity Values and Oversight Capacity Building across Two Nigerian Universities”, the Principal Investigator for the team, Professor Abidemi Akindele, shared the project activities/deliverables, intended outcomes and envisaged accomplishments with the gathering.

He expressed gratitude to IREX, on behalf of the team, for the sponsorship and thanked the Management of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) for the support given to the team.

He disclosed that members of the team identified the huge lacuna existing in the responsible conduct of research and therefore aim to improve research ethics in the two universities.

Subsequently, a demonstration of how the e-Platform for ethical approval application management (Electronic Management System for Ethical Approval Applications) works was carried out at the unveiling ceremony. The demonstration illustrated the applicant and reviewer perspectives of the e-platform.

It is common knowledge that a good infographic is worth a thousand words. What better way to make stakeholders aware of the importance of research ethics than using infographics?

To ensure optimal impact in the creation of awareness about conducting research responsibly, the RI&E and RCR Alumni Grant Team unveiled twelve (12) infographic posters as sensitisation materials, on the following issues:

Elements of Research Integrity

Components of Questionable Research Practices (QRP) | Academic Research Misconduct (A/RM)

Research Integrity (RI) and Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) – Meaning

Fundamental Principles of Research Integrity

Researchers and Research Institutions Responsibilities on Research Integrity

Research Integrity (RI) and Research Ethics (RE): How Different?

Types of Plagiarism to Avoid

The 3R Principles

Researchers, Are You Aware of These Facts?

Researchers’ Responsibility for Animal Use

For Your Training Needs on Responsible Use of Animals for Teaching and Research

Confused About Ethics of Any Animal Protocol?

The Unveiling Ceremony which was held simultaneously at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) was attended by members of the university management team and key role players in academic research from both universities.

The Director of Academic Planning, UNILAG, Professor Matthew Olusoji Ilori, who represented the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Tolulope Ogunsola, OON, FAS, in conducting the unveiling ceremony, averred that the event was highly significant as research is a culture which universities must consciously build. He noted that research ethics is not limited to the scientific field of academia but also involves the humanities and thus encouraged all researchers to take the matter of conducting research responsibly very seriously.

integrity through education, clear policies, and reasonable standards; the university’s response to irresponsible research practices; the current institutional attitudes and perceptions regarding the ethical use of animals in scientific research; the responsibilities to be upheld by individuals working with research animals to ensure ethical treatment and humane practices etc.

While speaking on the introduction of whistleblowing management as one of the numerous policies required for ensuring responsible conduct of research, a custodian of research animals, (his/her name) proffered that just as penalties have been proposed for poor research conduct, an addendum should be made that provides recommendations for researchers who repeatedly uphold the tenets of research ethics and integrity and are found to always conduct research responsibly.

The event came to a close with the team calling for members of the universities to help in filling online questionnaires which would aid the findings of the project.

Members of the RI&E and RCR Alumni Grant Team are:

Members of the RI&E and RCR Alumni Grant Team are:

University of Lagos (UNILAG)

• Professor Abidemi Akindele (Project PI)

• Professor Titilola Aderonke Samuel

• Dr. Temitope Olabisi Onuminya

Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)

• Dr. Bukola Olanike Oyebanji (Project Co-PI)

• Dr. Olufemi Mayowa Adetutu

The International Research & Exchanges Board (IREX) is nonprofit organisation committed to global development and education. IREX works with partners in over one hundred (100) countries in four areas essential to progress: empowering youth, cultivating leaders, strengthening institutions, and extending access to quality education and information.

MySchoolNews reporting.