President Onwualu Speaks on Strengthening Research Group Clusters in Africa
Abuja, Nigeria – The Mechanical Engineering Department of the African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abuja, held its monthly departmental webinar on Thursday, May 30th, with a compelling presentation delivered by the university’s President, Professor Azikiwe Peter Onwualu, FAS.
The session focused on the theme: “Fostering Research Group Clusters in Nigeria and Africa for Efficient and Quality Research Outputs.”
The webinar, which was moderated by Dr. David Afolayan, Acting Head of Department , Mechanical Engineering, brought together the academia, policy makers and researchers from across Africa who discussed on enhancing research quality and productivity through strategic collaborations.
Professor Onwualu’s presentation offered deep insights into the significance of fostering research group clusters across Nigeria and the African continent.
He stressed the role of research in driving economic development and presented a detailed overview of high-quality research outputs that contribute to economic transformation.
These according to him, include products, intellectual property, books, high-impact journals, publications, conference proceedings and training materials.
The AUST President further elaborated on essential frameworks including the Integrated RDIC (Research, Development, Innovation, and Commercialization) Cycle, challenges within the African research ecosystem, and criteria for assessing research outputs.
He proposed a conceptual framework for research clusters, identifying key features of successful clusters and highlighting their roles in promoting impactful researches.
Noteworthy case studies and strategies for establishing and sustaining research clusters were shared.
Professor Onwualu enjoined all stakeholders with a powerful call to action: to enhance the quality and quantity of research in Nigeria and Africa, through an increased national R&D spending to 3% of GDP (currently below 1%), and facilitating the establishment of more technology incubators and accelerators in priority sectors.
Dr. Festus Olatoyinbo, a participant at the webinar described the presentation as highly informative and inspiring.
He raised a pertinent question about managing egocentric academics who hoard knowledge and resist collaboration on joint research projects.
In response, Professor Onwualu emphasized the importance of joining research clusters, fostering communication, and building collaboration across senior and junior researchers.
“Form your research team, invite collaborators, apply for grants together, and share responsibilities openly,” he enthused.
The convener, Dr. David Afolayan, applauded Professor Onwualu’s contribution in advancing research excellence in the continent.