Prof Uwaoma Hails Indigenous Research Approach, Calls for Adoption
Date: November 5, 2026
By Jane Daniels
Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike (AE-FUNAI), Ebonyi State, has made history with its innovative approach to localising research to address societal problems and promoting indigenous scholarship through the use of English and local languages in academic writing.
The novel approach, which gives students better understanding and ownership of their research, was unveiled on Thursday during the dissertation defence of the pioneer set of Master of Science (M.Sc) students in the Department of Mass Communication.
The External Examiner, Professor Uwaoma Uche, Acting Vice-Chancellor and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) of Gregory University, Uturu, Abia State, described the exercise as impressive and in line with the National Universities Commission’s (NUC) guidelines and emphasis on promoting local content in university education.
He expressed optimism that the initiative would become a model for other Nigerian universities.
“This is quite novel, and I commend those who have initiated it. Very soon, it will become a template for almost all universities to follow,” he said, urging the department to sustain the initiative.
Speaking on the achievement, the Head of Department, Associate Professor Joseph Chukwu, attributed the successful completion of the programme by nine students in 18 months to the support of the university management, particularly Vice-Chancellor, Professor Daniel Nwachukwu, lecturers, supervision and students’ commitment.
Chukwu urged the pioneer graduates to pursue doctoral studies, disclosing that the department’s inaugural Ph.D candidates were also making progress towards timely completion.
He encouraged prospective postgraduate students to choose AE-FUNAI, assuring them of quality training, effective supervision and timely graduation. He added that admission forms would soon be available.
