The Need for Nigerian Universities to Collaborate for Quality Research Output

Abstract

The sustainable development of nations globally is highly influenced by the knowledge economy. Growth in the knowledge economy is driven by higher education with quality research being a major contributor to an excellent education. Over the years, universities in high-income countries have put research excellence at the core of their strategies with collaboration being a major tool utilised in improving the universities’ global recognition and ranking. However, low-income countries lag behind in global recognition and ranking of universities. This is worsened by difficulties in securing collaboration. In this perspective, we examine, the situation in Nigeria- a low-income country. We compare public and private Nigerian universities in terms of research excellence and argue for collaboration between local private and public universities, and between the local and foreign universities to overcome the challenges associated with researchers working alone. We also highlight the barriers that could limit effective collaboration in Nigerian universities. These barriers include funding and finding collaborators, personal or family worries, lack of trust and respect for diversity of disciplines and poor internet infrastructure and the high cost of international calls. Finally, we conclude that collaboration is key to knowledge sharing, the attraction of research grants and meeting sustainability targets. Hence, Nigerian universities should reach out to researchers with mutual research interests at home and abroad for more successful and impactful research.