UNIZIK, Molecular Research Foundation Explore Strategic Partnership to Advance Genomics and Molecular Research
The Molecular Research Foundation for Students and Scientists has initiated discussions with Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, on a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening molecular research, genomics, and bioinformatics education in Nigeria.
The Foundation’s Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Moses Nkechukwu Ikegbunam, on Thursday, July 9, 2026, led members of the Foundation on a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, at the Vice-Chancellor’s Office.
Welcoming the opportunity to engage with the University’s leadership, Prof. Ikegbunam said the visit was intended to formally introduce the Foundation, showcase its achievements, and explore areas of collaboration in advancing molecular research, innovation, and scientific capacity building.
Tracing the Foundation’s origins, he explained that after completing his training in Molecular Biology in Germany in 2016, he returned to Nigeria with the vision of providing students and young scientists with access to practical molecular biology training locally. He noted that what began as a modest single-room facility has grown remarkably, with permanent structures now standing on land allocated to the Foundation at the University’s Science Village during the previous administration.
Prof. Ikegbunam further disclosed that the Foundation has established academic affiliations with the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Departments of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology, while also collaborating with students from the Faculties of Biosciences and Pharmacy. He acknowledged the support and mentorship of distinguished academics, including former Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Charles Esimone, Prof. Kevin Udoye, Prof. Ike Okoli, and Dr. Ogechukwu Nworji, among others.
Speaking on the Foundation’s future aspirations, he revealed plans to transform it into a full-fledged Institute of Genomics and Bioinformatics dedicated to training future generations of scientists. According to him, the initiative was inspired by his experience in Germany, where undergraduate students actively participated in molecular research, a culture he hopes to replicate in Nigeria by exposing students to cutting-edge molecular science from the early stages of their academic careers.
In his response, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Anyaehie, commended the Foundation’s vision, describing it as a timely intervention that aligns with the University’s commitment to research excellence and innovation.
He disclosed that the University has long aspired to establish a fully functional molecular laboratory and expressed his administration’s readiness to support the Foundation in actualising its vision. The Vice-Chancellor observed that many researchers and students currently travel to Ibadan and other parts of the country to conduct molecular research, stressing his determination to reverse the trend by strengthening UNIZIK’s research infrastructure.
Prof. Anyaehie also proposed a strategic partnership between the University and the Foundation, noting that such collaboration would not only enhance research and training but also create opportunities for revenue generation through specialised research services. He assured the delegation that the University would leverage its official communication platforms to promote the Foundation’s activities and increase its visibility.
To facilitate the collaboration, the Vice-Chancellor encouraged the Foundation to formally document its areas of need and submit the necessary proposals for immediate consideration by the University.
The visit concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to building a mutually beneficial partnership that will promote research excellence, expand opportunities for students and scientists, and position Nnamdi Azikiwe University as a leading centre for molecular research, genomics, and bioinformatics in Nigeria.