UNILAG, OAU Scholars Collaborate To Strengthen Research Ethics

Researchers at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) have taken decisive steps towards proffering lasting solutions to the sensitisation of academics on  research ethics.

With a collaborative grant funded by the International Research & Exchanges Board (IREX), research teams drawn from UNILAG and OAU have designed materials to improve the overall quality of research in both universities and by extension Nigeria.

Having received training and a joint alumni grant as part of IREX University Administration Support Program (UASP), these researchers scrutinised existing research structures and policies, to establish a formidable culture of research integrity and ethics.

Dubbed, the “Research Integrity and Ethics and Responsible Conduct of Research (RI&E and RCR)” Alumni Grant Team, the researchers recently unveiled the sensitisation materials on RI&E and RCR as well as an Electronic Management System for Ethical Approval Applications which they have developed.

Speaking on the team’s project titled “Entrenching Research Ethics and Integrity Values and Oversight Capacity Building across Two Nigerian Universities”, the Principal Investigator for the team, Professor Abidemi Akindele shared the project activities, deliverables, intended outcomes and envisaged accomplishments with the gathering.

He expressed gratitude to IREX, on behalf of the team, for the sponsorship and thanked the Management of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) for the support given to the team.

Akindele disclosed that members of the team identified the huge lacuna existing in the responsible conduct of research and therefore aim to improve research ethics in the two universities.

Subsequently, a demonstration of how the e-Platform for ethical approval application management (Electronic Management System for Ethical Approval Applications) works was carried out at the unveiling ceremony.

The demonstration illustrated the applicant and reviewer perspectives of the e-platform.

The Unveiling Ceremony which was held simultaneously at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) was attended by members of the university management team and key role players in academic research from both universities.