Bayelsa Medical University Strengthens Research Capacity Through Three-Day Grantsmanship and Mentorship Workshop
Bayelsa Medical University (BMU), Yenagoa, through its Institute of Research and Development, successfully concluded a three-day Capacity-Building-Workshop on Grantsmanship and Mentorship held from July 1 to July 3, 2026. The workshop, themed “From Concept to Impact: Mastering Grantsmanship and Mentorship for Sustainable Innovation", brought together academic staff, researchers, and experts from Nigeria and across the globe to strengthen the university's research culture and enhance its capacity to attract competitive research funding.
The workshop reflected the university's commitment to building a vibrant research ecosystem where innovative ideas are transformed into practical solutions that improve healthcare and contribute to national development.
Declaring the workshop open, the Vice-Chancellor emphasised that research remains a critical pillar of the university's vision. He highlighted the importance of mentorship in developing the next generation of researchers. He noted that a strong culture of collaboration, innovation, and grantsmanship would position the university for greater research visibility and impact.
Day 1 featured a series of presentations by renowned scholars and research leaders. Professor Oladapo Walker of Babcock University delivered the keynote address on positioning Nigerian universities for research leadership, innovation, and global visibility in the 21st century. Dr Olusola of QIAGEN Hilden, Germany, introduced participants to research tools and opportunities available through the company’s scientific portfolio.
Other presentations included Professor Silvia Portugal of the Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Berlin, Germany, who spoke virtually on strengthening African research through strategic North-South collaborations; Professor Christopher Agulanna of the University of Ibadan, who discussed the importance of research ethics; Professor Catherine Falade of the University of Ibadan, who delivered a lecture on clinical trials and resource mobilisation; while Professor Mohammed Aliyu Paiko, Vice-Chancellor of Abdulkadir Kure University, Minna, concluded the day’s sessions with remarks that set the tone for the remaining days of the workshop.
On day two, participants received intensive training on collaborative grantsmanship and research proposal writing. Professor Mohammed Aliyu Paiko delivered a practical session on developing competitive research proposals capable of attracting local and international funding.
He explained that successful proposals must clearly demonstrate the significance, relevance, and feasibility of a research project, address real societal challenges and align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He also encouraged researchers to embrace multidisciplinary collaboration, noting that successful grant applications are often built on strong partnerships and complementary expertise.
The session concluded with an engaging question-and-answer segment during which participants explored practical approaches to proposal development, grant acquisition, and improving funding success.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to research development and mentorship, Professor Paiko was presented with an Award of Excellence on behalf of the university management by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Aloysius Ebi Ligha.
The final day focused on practical strategies for securing research funding through mentorship, networking, strategic partnerships, and collaboration.
Professor Olushola of Ahmadu Bello University highlighted mentorship as a deliberate process of transferring knowledge, skills, values, and professional identity from experienced researchers to emerging scholars. He encouraged the establishment of mentorship clusters, functional research laboratories, and structured mentoring systems that support researchers throughout their careers.
Professor Olabisi Ojo, speaking from the United States, delivered a presentation on global funding opportunities and strategic collaboration. He advised researchers to align their work with fundable research priorities, build credible collaborative networks, and focus on areas within their expertise. According to him, funding agencies invest in researchers they trust can successfully deliver impactful outcomes.
The last presentation by Professor Oladapo Walker focused on strengthening partnerships between universities, government, and industry. He stressed that strategic collaboration is essential for research commercialisation, innovation, and sustainable development. He also encouraged researchers to produce data-driven, solution-orientated research while promoting entrepreneurship as a pathway to national development.
Bringing the workshop to a close, the Vice-Chancellor thanked all the resource persons for sharing their expertise and commended participants for their active engagement throughout the three-day programme. He urged researchers to apply the knowledge and skills acquired to produce high-quality research, build meaningful collaborations, secure competitive grants, and contribute to solving pressing healthcare and societal challenges.
The successful workshop marks another significant milestone in Bayelsa Medical University’s ongoing efforts to strengthen research excellence, foster innovation, expand international collaborations, and position the institution as a leading centre for impactful medical education and research in Nigeria and beyond.
