80 African Universities Unite for Research Impact Under Africa-UniNet

Godfrey Okoye University Enugu played host to a powerful convergence of minds at the Project Inception Meeting Agenda of the PROCLIM SRI Initiative, part of the 5th Call Project by Africa-UniNet.

Speaking at the meeting, the Vice Chancellor of Godfrey Okoye University, Reverend Father Professor Christian Anieke, emphasized the urgent need for collaborative and impactful research across the continent. As a board member of Africa-UniNet, he called on African scholars to go beyond the usual scope and engage young researchers in work that truly benefits communities. “Africans understand their environment best. We are in a better position to solve our own problems,” he stated.

He also advocated for the introduction of summer schools in Nigeria and other African countries, noting that it is a common global academic practice that enhances research and innovation.

The team leader, Professor Martins Anikwe, highlighted the project’s focus on rice production, noting that with proper practices, Nigeria could boost its rice output from two to six tonnes. He encouraged farmers and stakeholders to make good use of weather records available at institutions like Godfrey Okoye University, ESUT, and UNN. He expressed concern that some previously introduced methods had been abandoned and called on the government to reintroduce and support these proven techniques.

Representing the Vice Chancellor of Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Professor Okey Enedu stressed the importance of building stronger research teams across universities to fully realize the potential of Africa-UniNet.

The event, which drew researchers from across Africa and Austria, also had in attendance all the principal officers of Godfrey Okoye University Enugu. The primary focus remained clear: transforming rice production methods and deepening research collaboration for a better Africa.