The David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUHS), Uburu, has partnered with other state and federal universities in Ebonyi to strengthen research collaboration and improve access to funding opportunities.
Vice Chancellor of DUFUHS, Professor Jesse Uneke, announced this over the weekend during a one-day summit themed “Inter-University Collaboration, Access to TETFund National Research Fund, and Moving Research to Policy in Nigeria,” held at Re-Meritona Hotel, Abakaliki.
The summit, organized by DUFUHS, brought together principal officers, provosts, deans, and directors of research, ICT, and academic planning from tertiary institutions across the state.
Prof. Uneke said the initiative was designed to foster synergy among universities and create a framework for impactful collaboration in research and policy formulation.
“This summit marks the beginning of a coordinated effort to harness the collective strengths of our institutions for meaningful research and development,” he said. “It’s about building bridges—helping one another grow. No university can thrive in isolation. Through collaboration, we can access research funds that individual institutions may not be able to secure and generate evidence that shapes policy.”
He disclosed that the summit would become an annual event aimed at deepening partnerships and advancing sustainable research development in the state.
Guest speakers at the event included Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, former Vice Chancellor of Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike (AE-FUNIA); Prof. Akanerem I. Essien, former Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo; and Dr. Kamil Shoretire, Director of Health Research, Planning, and Statistics, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Development.
They emphasized the importance of inter-university collaboration, evidence-based policymaking, and improved access to TETFund resources as key drivers of national development.
In their goodwill messages, Vice Chancellor of Ebonyi State University (EBSU), Prof. Michael Awoke; Prof. Ernest Egba of the University of Science and Technology, Oferekpe; and Prof. Patrick Nwofe of the Aeronautics and Aerospace University (EAUAE), commended Prof. Uneke’s vision, describing the summit as timely and transformative.
Similarly, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Prof. Amari Omaka (SAN), and Prof. Nwogo Obasi, representing the Secretary to the State Government, lauded DUFUHS for the initiative and reaffirmed the Nwifuru administration’s commitment to strengthening tertiary education under its People’s Charter of Needs policy.
