The Dean of the College of Science and Computing and pioneer Director of Research at Wigwe University, Professor Kingsley Ukaoha, has called on members of staff to embrace a research-driven culture aimed at positioning the institution among globally competitive universities.
Professor Ukaoha made the call during the University’s weekly Staff Training Session, which was attended by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Marwan Al-Akaidi; Director of Academic Planning, Quality Assurance and Academic Standards, Professor Chinyere Ukaga; Deans of Colleges; Heads of Departments; and other members of staff. In a presentation titled “The Changing Purpose of the Modern University: Impact of the Research CEO,” he outlined the evolving role of universities as centres of innovation, research, and societal transformation.
Addressing both academic and non-academic staff, Professor Ukaoha explained that the traditional role of universities as institutions focused primarily on teaching and knowledge preservation is rapidly giving way to a model centred on research, innovation, and measurable impact. He noted that leading universities are increasingly assessed by their ability to generate new knowledge, attract research funding, influence public policy, drive economic development, and provide solutions to societal challenges. According to him, the recent establishment of the Office of the Director of Research at Wigwe University underscores the institution’s commitment to becoming a globally relevant, research-led university.
Drawing from insights gained at a recent national workshop on building research enterprises that deliver funding, integrity, and impact, Professor Ukaoha introduced the concept of the “Research CEO” model. He explained that university leaders—including Vice-Chancellors, Deans, Heads of Departments, and individual academics—must see themselves as drivers of research excellence responsible for securing funding, fostering innovation, and enhancing institutional visibility. While identifying weak research systems, limited collaboration networks, inadequate training opportunities, and poor pathways for translating research into policy and practice as common challenges facing universities, he emphasized that such barriers can be overcome through deliberate systems, structures, and institutional support.
Professor Ukaoha further highlighted four key pillars that will guide Wigwe University’s research agenda: governance and systems, open science and research rigour, strategic visibility, and sustainable energy infrastructure. He stressed the need for transparent research governance, increased visibility of scholarly work, stronger industry and policy engagement, and reliable infrastructure to support world-class research. He also shared practical case studies demonstrating how impactful research can influence public policy, attract partnerships, secure funding, and drive societal development.
The Director of Research concluded by unveiling several initiatives planned for the next 90 days, including grant-writing support programs, visibility workshops, research translation initiatives, energy audits, and the development of institutional research systems. He encouraged staff to actively engage with the new office, strengthen their research profiles, pursue strategic partnerships, and align their work with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The session reaffirmed Wigwe University’s commitment to building a vibrant research ecosystem capable of delivering funding, innovation, integrity, and meaningful impact in Nigeria and beyond.
