Directorate of Research, Innovation and Development (DRID) – Confluence University of Science & Technology

Welcome to Directorate of Research, Innovation and Development

ABOUT DRID

VISION

To be a globally recognized centre for the promotion of research, innovation, and product development that transforms knowledge into solutions, fosters stakeholder partnerships, supports policy development, and drives sustainable socioeconomic growth in Nigeria and beyond.

DIRECTORATE

As the University grows and the need arises, the following units will be established.

Legal and Intellectual Property Transfer Unit
Research Ethics/Protocol Unit
Funds and Grants Mobilisation Unit
Research Collaboration and Linkages Unit
Research Development and Policy Unit
Research Information and Database Unit

MISSION

DRID at CUSTECH is committed to supporting, administering, and managing cutting-edge, problem-solving, ethical, and impactful research that:

Engages stakeholders across industry, government, and communities for knowledge transfer and market-driven research.
Advances innovation and technological solutions tailored to local and global challenges.
Translates research outputs into viable products, processes, and services.
Supports evidence-based policy formulation to strengthen development planning and governance.
Builds research capacity and nurtures a culture of creativity, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development.
Addresses global development goals such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

HISTORY OF DRID

The Directorate of Research, Innovations and Development (DRID) at the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara, was formally established by the Vice Chancellor, Engr. Prof. Abdulrahman Asipita Salawu, in April 2024 as part of the University’s strategic drive to strengthen its research mandate.

The Directorate was conceived to coordinate, promote, and monitor all research, innovation, and development activities within the University, ensuring alignment with global best practices and the developmental needs of Kogi State and Nigeria.

The pioneer Director of DRID was Professor Adams U. Itodo, who laid the foundation for the Directorate’s operational framework, focusing on capacity building and grant mobilisation. Since its inception, DRID has served as the hub for research management, grant administration, ethical compliance, intellectual property protection, and industry linkages for innovation.

Dr. Daniel Ojochenemi Apeh

Director, Directorate of Research, Innovation and Development (DRID)

Message from the Director , DRID.

It is my pleasure to welcome our distinguished academic staff, researchers, students, postgraduate scholars, industry partners, government agencies, funding organisations and other stakeholders to this platform dedicated to advancing research, fostering innovation and promoting sustainable development.

At CUSTECH, we recognise research as a fundamental instrument for knowledge creation, technological advancement and the resolution of societal challenges. Our ambition is not merely to generate scholarly publications, but to translate knowledge into practical solutions that improve lives, strengthen industries, inform public policy and contribute to the development of Kogi State, Nigeria and the wider global community.

I wish to acknowledge and express my sincere appreciation to our Vice-Chancellor, Engr. Prof. Abdulrahman Asipita Salawu, FNSE, for his strategic leadership, institutional support and commitment to advancing the University’s research mandate. His support for the establishment and development of DRID provides an important foundation for building a stronger research and innovation culture at CUSTECH.

Our Research Policy provides a framework for promoting research excellence, ethical conduct, accountability, interdisciplinary collaboration, research funding, capacity building, intellectual property protection and the commercialisation of research outputs. Through DRID, we are committed to supporting researchers in identifying funding opportunities, developing competitive proposals, strengthening research partnerships, disseminating findings and translating discoveries into useful products, processes and services.

We particularly encourage research that addresses identified needs in government, industry and our communities, aligns with relevant national development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals, and demonstrates measurable potential for impact.

I invite members of the University community to work collaboratively across disciplinary boundaries, uphold the highest standards of research integrity and pursue innovative ideas with practical value. I also welcome partnerships with industry, government, research institutions and development organisations seeking evidence-based solutions to pressing challenges.

Together, through purposeful research, responsible innovation and productive collaboration, we can strengthen CUSTECH’s position as a centre of scientific excellence and a catalyst for sustainable development.

Thank you for visiting our research platform. We look forward to engaging with you in advancing knowledge and transforming ideas into impact.

Dr. Daniel Ojochenemi Apeh
Director, Directorate of Research, Innovation and Development (DRID)
Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara

Research Policy

The Research Policy section outlines the University’s approved research policies, guidelines, ethical standards, and integrity principles that guide responsible research practices, ensure accountability, and promote excellence in research activities.

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Grants & Funding

The Grants and Funding section outlines available research funding opportunities, including TETFund IBR, NRF grants, and external funding programmes that support research development, innovation, collaboration, and academic excellence.

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Research Priorities

The Research Priorities section outlines the University’s key research themes, research groups, and interdisciplinary projects that promote collaboration, address societal challenges, and advance scientific and technological development

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Innovation & Commercialisation

The Innovation and Commercialisation section outlines the protection of intellectual property, patent development, prototype creation, and technology transfer to promote innovation, commercialisation, and practical applications of research findings.

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Collaborations & Training

The Collaborations and Training section outlines industry partnerships, mentorship programmes, workshops, and research events that strengthen research capacity, encourage knowledge sharing, and promote professional development.

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Research Outputs & Repository

The Research Outputs and Repository section showcases researcher profiles, publications, funded projects, innovations, policy briefs, and institutional research data to promote knowledge sharing, research visibility, and academic excellence.

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