The Ethics and Research Unit of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife, successfully held a highly informative and thought-provoking seminar on International Collaborative Research: Its Merits and Demerits at the Mini Auditorium, OAUTHC.
The event, which drew a diverse and distinguished audience from both academic and medical communities, was opened by the Chief Medical Director of OAUTHC, Prof. John Okeniyi, who delivered insightful opening remarks. Prof. Okeniyi emphasized the importance of equipping researchers at all levels with the right knowledge and ethical frameworks. He underscored the need to harness international research collaborations as tools to enhance institutional growth and deliver tangible benefits to local communities.
The first keynote address was delivered by Prof. William Fawole, of the Department of International Relations, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. In his incisive presentation, Prof. Fawole interrogated the underlying political and ethical dimensions of international collaborative research. He emphasized that while such collaborations offer numerous benefits—including access to funding, technology, and global exposure—there are significant risks and “hidden traps,” such as manipulation of research agendas, exploitation of local populations, and ethical compromises. He urged Nigerian researchers to undertake a critical risk-benefit analysis before engaging in foreign-funded collaborations, warning of the influence of donor-driven interests.
Following this, Dr. Olaitan Olusegun, from the Faculty of Law, OAU, took the floor as the second speaker, presenting a comprehensive legal and regulatory perspective on biosecurity in research and the ethical considerations surrounding sample sharing in international collaborations. She reviewed Nigeria’s legal frameworks, including the National Health Act, the Data Protection Act, and guidelines from the National Health Research Ethics Committee (NHREC), advocating for stronger community engagement and greater protection of participants and local researchers. Dr. Olusegun called for adherence to material transfer agreements (MTAs), consent protocols, and transparency in benefit-sharing arrangements.
The seminar was well attended by eminent scholars and institutional leaders. Among the distinguished guests were the immediate past CMD of OAUTHC, Prof. Victor Adetiloye; Vice Chancellor of Elizade University, Prof. Kayode Ijadunola; the Vice Chancellor of OAU, represented by Prof. Akanni Akinyemi, Deputy Vice Chancellor Research, Innovation and Development; Prof. Kemi Rotimi from the Department of History, OAU; and the Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Prof. Babatope Kolawole. Their presence underscored the high level of interest and institutional commitment to advancing ethical research standards.
The event concluded with an engaging question-and-answer session, during which participants praised the speakers for their depth of analysis and called for more frequent interdisciplinary dialogues on the evolving landscape of international research.
With such robust academic engagement, OAUTHC continues to position itself as a leading voice in ethical and globally relevant medical research.
