SDU strengthens research culture with 5-day capacity building workshop for academic staff

By Florence Chukwuebuni

IN line with its commitment to academic excellence and global visibility, the Management of Southern Delta University (SDU), Ozoro, successfully organized a five-day Human Capacity Development Seminar and Workshop on Effective Research Writing and Publication for all academic staff of the university. The mandatory training was coordinated by the Directorate of Research and Grant Management.

The workshop was held across the university’s two campuses, taking place at the Ozoro Main Campus from Monday, 13 July to Wednesday, 15 July 2026, and at the Orerokpe Campus from Thursday, 16 July to Friday, 17 July 2026.

While speaking during the workshop, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Sunny Awhefeada, charged participants to take full advantage of the training to deepen their knowledge of research writing and publishing in high-impact journals. He emphasized that quality publications are essential for enhancing individual academic profiles and increasing the global visibility and ranking of Southern Delta University. According to the vice chancellor, building a strong research culture remains one of the cardinal visions of his administration.

The vice chancellor was accompanied by other members of the university management, including the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Presley Obukoadata and the Provost of Orereokpe Campus, Professor Taigar Akpovughaye, who reaffirmed management’s commitment to supporting staff development through continuous capacity-building programmes.

The workshop was facilitated by distinguished scholars, Dr. Patrick Akpoghile and Dr. Great Edo, who delivered practical sessions on effective research writing, publishing strategies, and scholarly visibility. They challenged participants with the thought-provoking statement: “If you fail to publish, you will vanish. Publish and be visible,” emphasizing the importance of consistent scholarly publications in today’s academic environment.

The Chairman of the Research and Grant Management Committee, Professor Macaulay Mowharin, commended the university management for investing in the academic development of staff. He expressed satisfaction with the impressive attendance, active participation, and enthusiasm demonstrated by participants throughout the workshop.

Also speaking, the Acting Director of Research and Grant Management, Dr. Uriri, reaffirmed the directorate’s commitment to organizing more capacity-building programmes to improve research productivity, attract research grants, and strengthen the university’s reputation as a centre of academic excellence.

The 5-day workshop represents another significant milestone in Southern Delta University’s drive to promote quality research, innovation, and international academic recognition through impactful scholarly publications.

The Vice Chancellor, Southern Delta University (SDU), Prof. Sunny Awhefeada (right) and management staff at the workshop

* Dr. Chukwuebuni is the Acting Director of Public Relations, SDU