News Investigators/ Charles Mensah, the Managing Director of the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) has urged Nigerian policymakers to implement a comprehensive, enforceable strategy to reform the research and academic ecosystem.
Mr Mensah said this at the national EXCEL-RITE conference on Wednesday in Abuja with the theme, “Exploring Excellence in Ethical Conduct, Leadership for Research Integrity Through Empowerment (EXCEL-RITE)”.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference was organised in partnership with the National Health Research Ethics Committee (NHREC) and IHVN.
EXCEL-RITE seeks to promote a culture of ethical and transparent research across academia, government, and industry.
The IHVN boss said that there was a critical need for stronger regulation, sustainable funding, practical mentorship and accountability to build a credible and impactful research culture in Nigeria.
He said uthat Nigeria’s regulatory environment remained weak and lacked enforcement capacity.
He urged lawmakers to empower regulatory bodies with the legal and operational tools to enforce ethical codes and ensure research integrity.
Mr Mensah highlighted funding gaps in universities and research institutions, while calling for increased budgetary allocations and innovative public-private partnerships to support health and scientific research.
“Researchers can not thrive without the right resources,” he said.
He decried the absence of structured mentorship in academia, citing personal anecdotes and systemic observations
He called for continuous professional development, hands-on training, and experienced guidance for young scholars.
“Research institutions should collaborate more with industry to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and practical problem-solving.
“This approach will increase the relevance of Nigerian research on the global stage,” he said.
He recommended the establishment of standardised documentation and regular evaluations of research programmes to ensure quality and transparency
According to him, this will help align scientific work with national development priorities.
He cautioned against the trap of endless conferences with no follow-through, urging policymakers to develop timelines, track progress, and ensure accountability among all stakeholders.
“We can not afford to keep discussing these challenges without action,” he said.
NAN reports that the three-day conference called for researchers, institutions, and policymakers to abandon isolated approaches and embrace collaborative frameworks that foster integrity, innovation, and measurable impact on Nigeria’s scientific and public health landscape.
NAN