The mission of the International Medical and Technological University as spelt out in its Five year Rolling Strategic Plan, is to “enhance the University’s image through improved inputs in the University core functions of teaching and learning, research and delivery of community services”. The plan emphasizes that one of its specific functions is “to promote research into emerging and re-emerging diseases, economic, social, cultural, scientific, and technological issues targeting poverty reduction and economic growth, stimulate student engagement in productive services in and outside the university". Thus, apart from teaching, IMTU is required to engage in research and provide consultancy services in the specified areas as will be found necessary for public and private sectors.
While IMTU has made remarkable strides in imparting knowledge and skills to undergraduate and postgraduate students, its impact on research undertaking has been minimal. The structure of the university provides for a Research and Publications Committee, but members of the academic staff have not come forth to utilize it effectively. Among the factors which have hindered research undertaking at the University is the lack of a research policy.
The general objectives of this research policy is to provide guidelines in undertaking basic and applied research to generate new ideas (knowledge) to respond to contemporary and emerging needs in the health sector.
In line with the National Science and Technology Policy, and the National Health Policy, the IMTU Research Policy should:
Define research priorities to ensure that research conducted at the IMTU:
The vision of the Research and Publications Committee (RPC) is to be a center for coordinating and regulating quality health and related research that responds to National, Regional and global challenges. The mission is to provide a conducive research environment at the University, promoting the conduct of research that is in-line with the National Research agenda and to enhance the University capacity to advance frontiers of knowledge.
The RPC committee coordinates the review of proposals submitted by the faculty and students through the Research and Publications Committee which in essence is the Institutional Review Board (IRB) and its Sub- committee. It is also responsible for regulating and monitoring progress research and publications implemented by faculty and collaborators at the University.