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Officials from the Crest Research and Development Institute paid a working visit to Reverend Father Moses Orshio Adasu University (MOAU) on Friday to explore a strategic partnership focused on advancing research, innovation, peacebuilding, and community development in Benue State.
The Crest delegation, led by Programme Manager Mr. Christian Adanu Oyigocho and Director of Research Mr. Samuel Adole, held discussions with the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Timothy Terseer Alabar, and other senior university management. The engagement was facilitated by Mr. Leo-Angelo Usha Viashima, Director-General of the Benue State Bureau for International Cooperation and Development, as part of ongoing state government initiatives to strengthen academic and research linkages.
Mr. Oyigocho emphasized that the proposed collaboration aligns with Crest’s core mission of addressing societal challenges through rigorous research, adaptive monitoring, peacebuilding, policy engagement, and multi-stakeholder collaboration. He highlighted the institute’s four guiding pillars—research, adaptive monitoring, collaboration, and development aid—as the foundation for potential joint initiatives.
The university expressed strong support for the partnership. Professor Paul Aondodona Angahar, Director of the Centre for Research Management, pledged assistance in research proposal development and grant management. Professor Member George-Genyi of the Centre for Gender Studies welcomed the initiative for its potential to advance gender equity and social inclusion. Dr. Martin Kpoghul of the Centre for Peace and Development Studies affirmed readiness to collaborate on peacebuilding and community engagement projects.
Dr. Elijah Ikpanor, Director of Advancement and Linkages at MOAU, described the partnership as a strategic opportunity to strengthen external linkages, position the university as a hub for impactful research, and create interdisciplinary project opportunities for staff and students.
Professor Alabar thanked the delegation and reaffirmed MOAU’s commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and community service. He assured the team that the partnership would be formalized through appropriate institutional frameworks once details are finalized.
The meeting was attended by key university officials, including the Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellors (Administration and Academic), Registrar, Bursar, Special Assistant to the Vice-Chancellor, Acting Information and Public Relations Officer, among others.
The proposed collaboration is expected to open new avenues for joint research, capacity building, policy-oriented studies, and community-focused interventions, contributing to sustainable development in Benue and beyond. Further discussions and formal agreements are anticipated in the coming weeks.
