“Navigating Rugged Paths to Research Success”: Faculty of Biosciences holds one-day training with Dr Chika Okonkwo, Deputy Director, Research and Innovation and Prof. Moses Ikegbunam, Professor of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology ( Malaria Genetics Bias)
By Chidolue, Patrick
The Faculty of Bio Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, in collaboration with the Inter-Departmental Research Committee (IDRC), recently organised a One-Day Research Training themed “Navigating Rugged Paths to Research Success.” The event took place on February 10th at the Needs Assessment Building, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
In his opening remarks, Prof. Ken Ekwealor, Dean of the Faculty of Bio Sciences, expressed his gratitude to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, for approving the training. He welcomed all participants and emphasised the importance of continuous professional development in academia. He encouraged everyone to take advantage of every learning opportunity, noting that regardless of their position or achievements, there is always room for further training and growth. Additionally, he urged all researchers to aim to publish at least five scholarly papers annually to enhance their research productivity, a practice he follows himself.
The guest speaker, Prof. Moses Ikegbunam, a Professor of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology specialising in Malaria Genetic Bias, delivered his first presentation titled “Research Networks: Building Collaborations for Grants, Publications, and Growth.” He emphasised that research is an active, engagement-driven profession where collaboration accelerates progress. Prof. Ikegbunam defined research networks as strategic professional relationships that yield tangible outcomes such as joint publications, co-authored grants, shared datasets, and training opportunities. He noted that early-career researchers particularly benefit from networking, as it leads to faster publications, mentorship, increased visibility, and improved access to grants. He outlined a practical five-step approach to building networks, identified platforms for finding collaborators, and proposed a 30-day action plan for participants to follow. Key takeaways included: always offering value before making requests, prioritising publication in journals indexed on PubMed for greater visibility, and establishing clear agreements early regarding authorship, data use, and ethical safeguards to protect all parties involved.
In his second presentation, titled “Postdoctoral Training: Securing a Postdoctoral Position,” Prof. Ikegbunam explained the concept and value of postdoctoral training. He outlined its benefits for researchers, such as demonstrating research independence, strengthening publication records, and building lasting collaborative networks. He also emphasised the advantages for host laboratories, including access to skilled researchers, specialised expertise, and collaborative links to relevant populations or research settings. He discussed how early-career researchers can prepare for competitive postdoctoral positions and how to identify suitable host institutions and opportunities.
His third presentation focused on “Securing Funded Conferences,” where he provided strategies for obtaining travel grants for international conferences.
Dr Chika Anthony Okonkwo, Deputy Director of Research and Innovation, delivered a presentation titled “Tips on Winning Institutional-Based Research (IBR) Grants.” He defined the Institutional-Based Research Grant, sponsored by TETFund, and outlined strategies for securing funding. Dr Okonkwo explained that proposals must first be screened by the Institution’s Committee on Research (ICR) before submission and noted that TETFund allocates funds particularly for early-career researchers (within eight years post-PhD), with approved funds disbursed in full. He pointed out common reasons proposals fail, including weak problem statements, unclear objectives, unrealistic methodologies, inflated budgets, misalignment with TETFund priority areas, and noncompliance with guidelines. He also briefly discussed the characteristics of publishable articles, the significance of impact factor journals, and journal quartile rankings. In conclusion, he stressed that clarity is essential; a well-defined, focused research idea is more competitive than a broad but poorly articulated proposal.
Prof. Dennis Aribodor made brief remarks introducing the TETFund Centre of Excellence (TCE) at NAU for Translational Studies. He explained its tuition-free Master’s and PhD programs, which provide research and convocation support, and encouraged individuals with innovative, solution-driven ideas to apply.
Dr Franca Okoli delivered the closing charge, followed by final remarks and prayers, marking the end of the workshop.
- Present at the training were the Biosciences Inter-Departmental Research Committee; Dr Franca Okoli, Chairman; Dr Chioma Abana, Secretary; Prof. C.V Ilodiba, member; Dr Favour Nwajiobi, member; Dr Joy Ogana, member; Dr Philipa Afoemezie, member; and Mrs Goodness Chukwujekwu, member.
