The managing director of the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), Dr. Charles Mensah has called on Nigerian policymakers to develop and implement a comprehensive and enforceable strategy to reform the country’s research and academic landscape.
Mensah made the call during the national EXCEL-RITE conference held in Abuja on Wednesday. The event, themed “Exploring Excellence in Ethical Conduct, Leadership for Research Integrity Through Empowerment (EXCEL-RITE),” was convened in collaboration with the National Health Research Ethics Committee (NHREC) and IHVN.
The conference aimed to foster a culture of ethical, transparent, and impactful research across academia, government and the private sector.
Addressing participants, Mensah emphasised the urgent need for stronger regulation, sustainable funding, practical mentorship, and consistent accountability if Nigeria is to build a credible research culture capable of influencing both national development and global discourse.
He noted that while Nigeria has regulatory bodies in place, the lack of effective enforcement tools continues to undermine their authority. He urged lawmakers to strengthen these institutions with the legal and operational capacity to ensure compliance with ethical standards and research integrity.
Mensah also spotlighted the persistent underfunding of universities and research institutions, advocating for increased budgetary support and the development of innovative public-private partnerships to boost health and scientific research. “Researchers cannot thrive without the right resources,” he warned.
Reflecting on personal experiences and wider academic trends, he expressed concern over the lack of structured mentorship in Nigerian universities. He stressed the need for continuous professional development, hands-on training and experienced guidance for early-career researchers.
He further proposed stronger collaboration between research institutions and industry to enhance real-world relevance and drive innovation. This, he argued, would bridge the gap between theoretical study and practical impact.
Calling for standardised documentation and regular programme evaluations, he emphasised the importance of aligning research output with national priorities. He concluded with a warning: “We cannot afford to keep discussing these challenges without action.”
The three-day conference called on researchers, institutions, and policymakers to adopt collaborative, ethical frameworks that drive measurable improvements across Nigeria’s research and public health sectors.
