Experts harp on collaboration, quality research as LASU School of Transport holds Training Workshop ... Task institutions to build strong research culture

A Training Workshop organised by the School of Transport and Logistics,  Lagos State University, with the support of Kuhne Foundation titled "Deepening Transport and Logistics Research Capacity in Nigeria”, was concluded with a charge for researchers to embrace collaboration with colleagues in the academia and the industry, to develop practical solutions and attract funding opportunities. SUCCESS DAMIAN reports.  

Prof. Adegoke Oke of the W.P. Carey School of Business, Arizona State University, USA, who was the Guest Lecturer at the one-day programme tasked researchers to develop top quality research works that are capable of being published in international reputable journals.   

Delivering his lecture titled "Leading through Research in Logistics and Supply Chain Management" the multiple grants and award winner said: "when it comes to doing quality research, the impact of collaboration cannot be overemphasized. You must collaborate, whether with colleagues in the academia or the industry, seek collaborations. Our collaboration with the industry is what yields our largest funding in Arizona State University....As a researcher, you must train yourself, read widely, find the right kinds of Journal for quick wins, stress the paper contributions,  seek expert review feedback, have a submission plan for each year and present your work at conferences. 

He further challenged researchers to develop quality research: "as a researcher, you must consistently do valid and impactful research. The quality of our research translates to the quality of what we teach our students. Quality research leads to quality teaching, practice and policy recommendations, demonstrates the capability of the researcher, raises the profile and motivation of the researcher." 

He also stressed the leadership roles in building a research culture in the University, noting that it is important for Universities to have a research culture: "what makes up a research culture are the symbols institutions deliberately put out, power structure, the stories her people tell, the organisational structure, the routines and rituals observed, incentives, mentoring as well as the control systems put in place. Leaders should put these in place to foster research culture in the University."

The Commissioner for Transportation in Lagos State, Dr Frederic Oladeinde, who joined the lecture virtually, in his contribution, praised the LASU School of Transport and Logistics for taking research in Transportation forward. 

"For years, this is something we have been clamouring for. Transportation is becoming a big issue in Lagos State and it's important we have professionals who can advise government on the right course of action to take us out of the challenges we are facing", he said. 

The immediate-past Dean, School of Transport and Logistics, Prof. Samuel Gbadebo Odewunmi, speaking at the beginning of the event, praised the Kuhne Foundation for its support for the international conference and the School as a whole. He revealed that LASUSOT&L enjoys its most productive partnership with Kuhne Foundation, adding that the Foundation currently funds research at the Masters and PhD levels, in addition to sponsoring experts for fully funded TTT programmes. These he said, are in addition to the sponsorship of international distinguished lecture series. He urged the Foundation to consider sponsoring at least two additional PhD students in the School.

The Coordinator, Kuhne Foundation, Stephen Akut, in his response, said that the need to build capabilities in Logistics and Supply Chain Management motivated the Foundation's support for the workshop. "We need to build our capabilities to be able to manage process of logistics and supply chain considering how expensive transportation has become. This is the way to go not just for LASU, but for every University in Sub-Saharan Africa.  No one will fix our economy for us. Our problems will be fixed by us and this workshop is an opportunity to tap from the Diaspora with Prof. Adegoke.

The Director, Directorate of Research Management and Innovation, Prof. Olumuyiwa Odusanya, who was represented by secretary to the Directorate,  Mr. Oluwaseun Asesanya, promised that the Directorate would continue to do more in order to strengthen research culture in the University, praising the organisers for the brilliant programme. 

The Dean, LASUSOT, Prof. Charles Asenime, on his part was full of appreciation for the sponsors, the lecturer and all who attended the programme both physically and virtually. 

The Workshop was well attended by dignitaries from within and outside the University, including former Commissioner for Transportation in Lagos State, Dr. Dayo  Mobereola; the University Librarian, Dr. Emmanuel Layi Adebayo and scholars from within and about five other countries. Several members of academic and Non-Academic Staff from across different faculties in the University were also present.

The programme held on Friday, 23rd July, 2021 at the Conference Room, School of Transport and Logistics, LASU Main Campus, Ojo.