DUFUHS Champions Research Synergy, Hosts Landmark Inter-University Summit in Ebonyi
Ugo Ewa
The David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUHS), Uburu, has taken the lead in fostering research synergy and inter-university cooperation in Ebonyi State, as it hosted a one-day summit on Inter-University Collaboration, Access to TETFund National Research Fund, and Moving Research to Policy in Nigeria in Abakaliki.
The high-profile event, held on Thursday at Re-Meritona Hotel, attracted principal officers, provosts, deputy provosts, deans, and directors of research, ICT, and academic planning from tertiary institutions across the state.
In his address, the Vice Chancellor of DUFUHS, Professor Jesse Uneke, said the summit was convened to create a new platform for collaboration among Ebonyi’s universities and to position the state as a model for impactful research and policy development.
“This summit is about building bridges and helping one another grow. No university can thrive in isolation. By working together, we can access research funding that individual efforts cannot secure and generate evidence that directly informs policy,” Prof. Uneke stated.
He disclosed that the summit would become an annual event to strengthen academic partnerships, with plans to include private universities in future editions.
Guest speakers included Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, former Vice Chancellor, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike; Prof. Akanerem I. Essien, former Vice Chancellor, University of Uyo; and Dr. Kamil Shoretire, Director of Health Research, Planning and Statistics, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Development.
They underscored the need for collaborative research, evidence-based policy, and strategic access to the TETFund National Research Fund to drive national innovation and development.
In their goodwill messages, Vice Chancellors Prof. Michael Awoke (EBSU), Prof. Ernest Egba (University of Science and Technology, Oferekpe), and Prof. Patrick Nwofe (Aeronautics and Aerospace University, EAUAE) commended Prof. Uneke’s vision, describing the initiative as timely and transformative.
Similarly, Prof. Amari Omaka (SAN), Ebonyi State Commissioner for Tertiary Education, and Prof. Nwogo Obasi, representing the Secretary to the State Government, lauded DUFUHS for its forward-thinking drive and reaffirmed the Nwifuru administration’s commitment to strengthening tertiary education under the People’s Charter of Needs policy.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Vitalis Ofor, Registrar of DUFUHS, described the summit as “enriching, impactful, and transformative,” saying it had set a new benchmark for collaboration among Ebonyi’s higher institutions.
The summit ended with a resolution by participants to pursue joint research projects, deepen institutional partnerships, and ensure research outcomes inform public policy and sustainable development in Ebonyi State and beyond.
