The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) and the Federal University Lokoja (FUL) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening collaboration in biomedical research, capacity building, academic exchange and postgraduate training.
The agreement was signed at the Institute’s headquarters in Yaba, Lagos, by the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of NIMR, Professor John Oladapo Obafunwa, and the Vice-Chancellor of Federal University Lokoja, Professor Gbenga Solomon Ibileye
The partnership is expected to promote joint research projects, student training, academic exchanges, collaborative publications, conferences and other initiatives designed to advance scientific knowledge and strengthen Nigeria’s research ecosystem.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Professor Ibileye described the collaboration as a strategic step in the university’s drive to build productive partnerships with leading research institutions.
According to him, Federal University Lokoja has grown significantly since commencing academic activities in 2012 and now offers more than 60 degree programmes across 17 faculties, including Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Medical Laboratory Science and Engineering.
He said the university was committed to leveraging the expertise, facilities and research experience available at NIMR to enhance opportunities for its staff and students.
“We firmly believe that we cannot do it all by ourselves. We need to partner with institutions that possess the expertise and capacity required to advance research and innovation. NIMR occupies a strategic position in medical research in Nigeria, and we look forward to a mutually beneficial relationship,” he said.
Professor Ibileye noted that the collaboration would create opportunities for joint research, student internships, academic exchanges, postgraduate supervision, conferences and publications, among other areas of mutual interest.
In his remarks, Professor Obafunwa welcomed the partnership, noting that collaboration with universities and research institutions forms part of NIMR’s statutory mandate.
“The mandate of NIMR is to interact in the area of research with other research institutes and universities, both within and outside this country,” he said.
The NIMR Director-General expressed optimism that the agreement would create a framework for deeper engagement between both institutions in areas of research, training and knowledge sharing.
He also commended Federal University Lokoja for proposing practical mechanisms for sustaining the partnership and reiterated NIMR’s readiness to explore initiatives that would strengthen scientific collaboration and human capacity development.
The MoU is expected to facilitate cooperation in areas including biomedical and public health research, joint supervision of students, staff development, internship and training opportunities, academic publications, conferences, seminars and other mutually beneficial programmes.
The partnership underscores the growing importance of collaboration between universities and specialised research institutions in addressing national health challenges, strengthening research capacity and supporting evidence-based solutions to improve health outcomes in Nigeria.
Experts have long argued that stronger partnerships between Nigerian universities and specialised research institutions are essential to improving the country’s research output, attracting competitive grants, developing the next generation of scientists and generating locally relevant solutions to public health challenges.