To promote research integrity and encourage responsible, impactful research, the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) and the National Health Research Ethics Committee (NHREC) have hosted a three-day conference on research integrity in Abuja.
The conference was tagged, “Exploring Xcellence in Collaboration, Ethical Conduct and Leadership for Research Integrity through Empowerment (EXCEL-RITE).
More than 200 researchers, health and policy experts from across the country participated both physically and virtually in the conference sessions.
At the event, IHVN Chief Operating Officer and EXCEL RITE Principal Investigator, Dr. Charles Olalekan Mensah said that the conference has enlightened participants and encouraged deliberations among researchers, scientists and policy makers about responsible conduct of research in the country. Dr. Mensah stated the Institute’s commitment to support NHREC to address knowledge gaps on research ethics through continuous capacity building.
The Honorable Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Salako, who was represented at the conference by the Ministry’s Special Adviser on Research and Innovation, Dr. Lolade Adeyemi, said that the program shared transformative ideas and examined the indispensable role of integrity as a bedrock of effective leadership, institutional development and sustainable health programs.
”As we confront the complex health topics of our time, from maternal and child mortality to infectious disease, mental health and emerging threats of non-communicable diseases, we must recognize that our success will be measured, not only by technical interventions but also by the values that guide our actions. Integrity, accountability and service to the public good are non-negotiable.”
The conference attracted policy makers, scientists and eminent research ethics professionals like, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom, and the Special Adviser to the President on Health, Dr. Salma Ibrahim Anas. Others include the Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Dr. Mojisola Adeyeye, renowned Virologist and Public Health Expert, Prof. Oyewole Tomori and Professor Clement Adebamowo, who established and chaired NHREC from 2007 to 2017.
Sessions focused on topics like, global perspectives on research integrity, crafting research policies and guidelines, building a culture of research integrity in Nigerian academic and research institutions, fostering transparency in research, emerging technologies for research integrity, amongst others.
NHREC Chairman, Prof. Richard Adegbola expressed appreciation to IHVN for its partnership in the drive to promote research ethics in the country. He noted that, “Nigeria’s research future is bright if we do it together, do it well and do it right.”
The conference ended with a declaration of commitment by all participants to uphold & promote research integrity.
IHVN Managing Director and EXCEL RITE Conference Principal Investigator, Dr. Charles Olalekan Mensah giving an opening speech at the novel EXCEL-RITE hybrid conference held at the IHVN Campus in Abuja.
L-R Chair of the University of Lagos College of Medicine Health Research Ethics Committee, Prof. Kolawole Oyedeji, NHREC Chairman, Prof. Richard Adegbola, EXCEL-RITE Conference Principal Investigator, Dr. Charles Olalekan Mensah, President West Africa Network of National Academies, Prof. Oyewole Tomori, Chair of the University of Ibadan Social Sciences and Humanities Research Ethics Committee, Prof. Adejumo Adebayo, and Director of Research at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Prof. Oliver Ezechi at the EXCEL-RITE Conference in Abuja.
A cross section of participants at the EXCEL-RITE Conference in Abuja.
