By Ikenna Nwokedi and Jennifer Isidienu
The Acting Vice-Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu has stated that he is poised towards encouraging and strengthening interdisciplinary research which is one of the key parameters in enhancing institution’s visibility in the past, both now and for the future.
Prof. Ikechebelu stated this during his maiden live broadcast interactive session held on Friday, June 14th 2024 on UNIZIK 94.1 FM.
Prof. Ikechebelu mentioned that part of his short term plan is to support, promote and encourage researchers through cross fertilization of ideas and continue the linkage between similar programs and other departments to develop research topics that are researchable and goal oriented.
The Ag. VC averred that across the globe presently, outcome of such researches and collaborations are more accepted in peer reviewed journals with their resulting publications rated very high. He further mentioned that the Directorate of Research and Innovation of the University is developing research clusters which is a gateway in bringing people from other departments together to harvest ideas that could have emanated from different perspectives and leading to research.
Prof. Ikechebelu revealed that the concept will be the reason behind the University winning more National Research Fund (NRF) grant and other grants from Tetfund. He noted a plethora of research is going on in the university and his administration will continue to encourage that academic excellence at various points.