By Livinus Ayih (Deputy Student Editor)
Determined to remain an institution of international standard able to compete both locally and internationally, the University of Jos has formulated a research policy to guide research activities in the institution.
The Research Policy Document was unveiled by the Director, Office of Research and Development of the university, Professor Hayward Mafuyai at a Lunchtime Seminar organized by the Jos-Carnegie Partnership Committee and Research Management Office intervention held at Law Auditorium of the university.
The research policy document is aimed at placing research at the centre stage of academic activities in the university by providing resources for the enrichment of teaching, learning and overall institutional development.
Receiving the document, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Sonni Tyoden represented by the Director of Academic Planning Professor Musliu Yahaya commended Professor Mafuyai for the initiative and pledged the university’s commitment to implementing the document.
Professor Mafuyai described the policy document as “the first of its kind in the history of University of Jos” which he believed would enhance the winning of grants from international research funding organizations and similar institutions.
He stated that research is expected to change for better with the recent establishment of the Office of Research and Development which coordinates all internally funded academic research activities of the university including rendering assistance to those applying for external research funds.
The research policy which went through different phases of policy formulation, culminating in the approval by the Governing Council is to henceforth serve as a guide to awardees of the university research grants at various levels.
The Chairperson of Jos-Carnegie Partnership Committee (JCPC), Dr Patricia Lar, lauded the new initiative of the Office of Research and Development and Research Management Office intervention and challenged participants to take advantage of the document to reinvigorate research in line with global best practices.
The workshop featured presentations from the Research Management Office intervention team led by Professors Kirian Ekpeyong, Hayward Mafuyai, Christy Ugodulunwa and Dr. Patricia Lar respectively.
Participants were drawn from Deans of Faculties, Directors of Units, and Heads of Various Department as well as other academic staff of the University.
