By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu
The Director, TETFund Centre of Excellence in Skills, Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Development, (TETCoE), Mr Sheriffdeen Ayodele-Oja, said that the AuthorAID National Research Hub, Nigeria, will enhance capacity in research writing and publication.
Ayodele-Oja, in his remark at the official launch of AuthorAID National Research Hub, Nigeria, held at the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Lagos, on Monday, said the initiative is supported by AuthorAID UK, YABATECH and TETCoE.
He described AuthorAID as a free pioneering global network that provides support, mentoring, resources, and training for researchers in low- and middle-income countries.
“The Hub will strengthen skills of researchers in YABATECH and other institutions, deepen their confidence, build new connections, position them to undertake relevant, high-quality, engaged research which will improve their career and professional development.
“The AuthorAID online platform offers free online mentoring and collaboration, online courses and resources. It is a project of the International Network for Advancing Science and Policy (INASP).
“INASP is an international development organisation based in Oxford, United Kingdom, with 30 years’ experience of working with a global network of partners in Africa, Latin America, and Asia,” he added.
Ayodele-Oja said that AuthorAID’s ambition is to be community-led and drawing on a network of volunteers across the globe to offer advice, mentoring, support and peer-learning opportunities to early-career researchers at scale.
“Through this research hub in Nigeria, we will help to root AuthorAID more strongly in Nigeria, providing opportunities for members to contribute to, and lead on AA initiatives to reach more people, and deliver more value for its global community of researchers.
“I wish to appreciate the College management, led by Engr. Obafemi Omokungbe, for approval and supporting the hosting of the AuthorAID National research hub at YABATECH.
“Through this activity, we are able to put YABATECH on the Global map again as an institution that encourages research excellence, in our effort to build capacity for research excellence and encourage innovation and creativity,” he said.
According to him, the collaborating institutions include University of Port Harcourt, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, University of Calabar, Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe, Institute of Mangrove Ecology and Environmental Technology, Delta State, cutting across the different regions in Nigeria.
Ayodele-Oja said the collaboration which cuts across difference regions of the nation is a new seed being planted in the Nigerian research space, adding, “I pray and hope that the seed will grow to bear fruit and impact our society.”
Also speaking, Omokungbe said that the National Hub will be domiciled at YABATECH TETCoE, established in 2021, adding, one of the centre’s objective is to build capacity in applied/innovative research and skills development.
According to him, this aligns with the goal of the national research hub and management welcomes this development and will continue to support all such laudable initiative which promote to culture of research.
He expressed optimism that researchers with enhanced research and communication skills, will work with policymakers, practitioners and communities to address local and national challenges.
“I believe the AuthorAID National Research Hub, Nigeria, will meet the needs of academics in YABATECH and other institutions in Nigeria, therefore, YABATECH hosting this National Research Hub is a welcome development.
“YABATECH was ranked Nigeria’s best Polytechnic for the third time earlier this year, the success was attributed to the researchable academic papers and improvement in the institution’s web content.
“This is a testament that academic staff of YABATECH have continuously produced quality research publications which is one of the criteria used for the Webometrics,” he added.
The Rector also applauded AuthorAID, INASP, UK, for supporting the initiative and the partnership with YABATECH, reiterates the College commitment that will contribute to strengthening research of high scientific quality and relevance to sustainable development.
Also Dr. Funmilayo Doherty, National Coordinator, AuthorAID National Research Hub, Nigeria, made a presentation on AA Research Hub, urging students and researchers to be part of the initiative.
Doherty said that AuthorAID is a free pioneering global network which provides support, mentoring, resources, and training for researchers in low and middle-income countries.
“Through this research hub in Nigeria, we will help to root AuthorAID more strongly in Nigeria, providing opportunities for members to contribute to, and lead on AA initiatives to reach more people, and deliver more value for its global community of researchers,” Doherty added.
University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), Lagos State University (LASU), University of Nigeria (UNN) are partners of AuthorAID National Research Hub, Nigeria.