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The University of Jos is set to elevate the importance of research grants in the criteria for academic staff promotion, moving beyond the reliance on published research papers and articles.
This decision was revealed by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tan DVC Acadko Ishaya during an Academic and Research Grant Writing and Publishing Symposium organized by the University’s Office of Research Development (ORD.
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This is in Collaboration with the Department of Science Laboratory Technology (SLT) and the Faculty of Natural Sciences.
Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Rahila Gowon, Professor Ishaya emphasized the University’s commitment to enhancing its global reputation by attracting more research grants.
He urged all academic staff to embrace this new approach, expressing confidence that the training provided by ORD would enhance researchers’ capabilities in securing internationally funded projects and grants.
Plans are underway to award additional points to academic staff who secure research grants during future promotion exercises.
While praising the University’s researchers for their talent, Professor Ishaya lamented the inadequate funding for research opportunities in Nigeria.
He called on industry players, commercial enterprises, funding partners, and other stakeholders to recognize research as crucial for national development.
He also advised the Federal Government to establish Research and Development (R&D) Departments in every government agency to tackle the nation’s challenges.
Professor Ishaya commended the Symposium Facilitator, Dr. Gywa Gideon Deme from Case Western University, Ohio, USA, for sharing his expertise at no cost to the institution.
Dr. Deme highlighted key performance indicators for scholarly contributions, emphasizing academic trust and research reputation as vital factors for grant funding eligibility.
He encouraged researchers to explore various funding opportunities to support their research activities.
Dr. Deme, an honorary alumnus of the University, pledged to collaborate with interested researchers and train them on accessing international funding organizations.
He described his visit to Nigeria as an opportunity to contribute to national development through knowledge sharing.
In her address, Professor Charity Amienyo, Director of the Office of Research Development, appreciated Dr. Deme for his valuable contribution to the University and the nation.
She urged other Nigerians abroad, especially alumni, to emulate his gesture, stating that his initiative demonstrates the importance of giving back to one’s alma mater and country.
The symposium, titled “The Nigerian Academic and Scientific Research in the 21st Century: Expanding Our Research Collaboration, Grant Writing Skills to Publishing in Global Scientific Journals,” aimed to enhance researchers’ knowledge on research proposal writing and winning grants.
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