Advancing Health Sciences
Through Research & Innovation

The Directorate is committed to creating an enabling environment in which faculty members, researchers, students, and collaborating institutions can pursue cutting-edge research that meets the highest standards of scientific excellence, ethical conduct, and social responsibility. It provides strategic leadership in research planning, governance, administration, and capacity development while fostering partnerships that enhance the University's visibility and competitiveness in the national and international research landscape.

DRID coordinates the implementation of the University's research agenda by facilitating the development of institutional research policies, promoting responsible conduct of research, supporting ethical compliance, encouraging multidisciplinary and multicentre collaborations, and strengthening research infrastructure. The Directorate also assists researchers in identifying funding opportunities, developing competitive grant proposals, managing externally funded projects, and disseminating research findings through scientific publications, conferences, policy briefs, patents, and community engagement.

Recognizing that innovation is a critical driver of socioeconomic development, the Directorate actively promotes the translation of research findings into practical solutions that improve health outcomes and address pressing societal needs. Through support for innovation, technology transfer, entrepreneurship, and intellectual property management, DRID seeks to bridge the gap between scientific discovery and real-world application. The Directorate encourages researchers to develop innovative technologies, diagnostics, digital health solutions, and evidence-based interventions capable of transforming healthcare delivery and public health practice.

Research activities coordinated by DRID span a broad range of disciplines within the health sciences, including clinical medicine, public health, biomedical sciences, medical laboratory sciences, nursing, pharmacy, dentistry, allied health professions, health systems research, digital health, genomics, implementation science, and One Health. Particular emphasis is placed on addressing priority health challenges affecting Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa, including infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, non-communicable diseases, maternal and child health, epidemic preparedness, environmental health, and emerging zoonotic diseases.

A key priority of the Directorate is strengthening research capacity through continuous professional development. DRID regularly supports training programmes in research methodology, scientific writing, grant proposal development, research ethics, biostatistics, data management, innovation, and research leadership. These initiatives are designed to equip academic staff, postgraduate trainees, and early-career researchers with the knowledge and skills required to conduct high-quality, internationally competitive research.

The Directorate also actively promotes collaboration with universities, research institutes, healthcare institutions, government agencies, development partners, industry, and international organizations. Such partnerships facilitate knowledge exchange, resource sharing, multicentre studies, and access to advanced technologies, thereby enhancing the quality, relevance, and impact of research conducted at FUHSA.

As FUHSA continues to expand its academic and research programmes, the Directorate of Research, Innovation, and Development remains committed to building a culture of excellence founded on integrity, innovation, collaboration, and accountability. Through strategic leadership and sustained investment in research and innovation, DRID is positioning the University as a leading centre of excellence in health research, producing knowledge that informs policy, strengthens healthcare systems, drives innovation, and improves the health and well-being of communities in Nigeria, across Africa, and beyond.