Directorate of Research Innovation and University Industry Relation

The Directorate of Research Innovation and University/Industry Relations (DRIUIR) was inaugurated in May 2016 by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Joseph E. Ahaneku, FAS to encourage and promote research and innovations in the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, and facilitate the beneficial transfer of research output to our host communities, Government and Industry in Nigeria in particular, and humanity in general. DRIUIR has offices in the Ekwueme Centre for Multidisciplinary Research building, in Awka campus (Email: [email protected]) and is administered by a Director, Prof. Frank C. Ogbo.

Promotion of Research 
Strategies adopted to promote R&D include;

• Encouraging and assisting the cooperative development of multi-disciplinary research clusters
• Training Programs and Workshops. Product-oriented R&D is being promoted by aligning research in UNIZIK with market demand. 
• Promotion and participation in Research Fairs
• Collaboration with local industries and various Chambers of Commerce
• Support of funding through University Research grant schemes as well as facilitating access to international and local funding agencies.

Transfer of Research Results to End-users

• Encouragement/facilitation of the generation of Intellectual Properties (IPs)
• Assistance with the Patenting of IPs 
• Services to the Society: The DRIUIR provides a think-tank where Government, Industry and the Society at large can visit when searching for solutions to scientific and social problems that require logical, objective and systematic analysis (Research Methodology). Nnamdi Azikiwe University has fourteen Faculties covering most of the academic disciplines of Humanities, Social, Natural and Formal Sciences as well as the Professions. Specific problems can be formulated into research questions and then resolved by appropriate units of the University. 
• Protection of the interests of Students, Staff and Third parties involved in R&D or Transfer is assured by the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Intellectual Property Policy

Units of DRIUIR: IPTTO & TISC 
The Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer Office (IPTTO) and the Technology and Innovation Support Centre (TISC) are supported by the National Office of Technology Acquisition and Promotion and the World Intellectual Property Organization respectively. These facilities provide platforms through which Researchers can access a wide range of Scientific and Technical Journals as well as Patents on a wide range of Products and Services from around the world. Knowledge about existing and relevant patents is essential for success in product-oriented and adaptive research.