The Research and Innovation Directorate (RID) on Thursday, April 9, 2026, hosted a high-level delegation from Midlands State University (MSU), Zimbabwe, as part of efforts to strengthen institutional collaboration and explore new avenues for partnership.
The five-member delegation, led by the Vice-Chancellor of MSU, Professor Victor Ngonidzashe Muzvidziwa, included the University Registrar, Mr. Tinashe Zishiri; University Librarian, Ms. Nyarai Patience Chibanda; Executive Director for International and Alumni Relations, Professor Laurine Chikoko; and Assistant to the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Hazel Tafadzwa Ngoshi.
Welcoming the delegation, the Director of RID, Professor David Dodoo-Arhin, highlighted the Directorate’s commitment to advancing impactful research, innovation, and strategic partnerships that contribute to national and continental development.
A presentation delivered by Professor Dodoo-Arhin provided an overview of the structure and functions of RID, its research strategy, and multidisciplinary priority areas. He also traced the evolution of research management at UG, noting the establishment of the Office of Research, Innovation and Development (ORID) in 2010 and the introduction of dedicated research funding in 2009 as key milestones in strengthening the University’s research ecosystem.
Professor Dodoo-Arhin further highlighted initiatives such as the MakerSpace, the Student Venture Support Programme, and institutional guidelines that support research management and innovation. He underscored opportunities for collaboration between UG and MSU, particularly in education and training, mobility exchanges, and joint research initiatives.
In his remarks, Professor Muzvidziwa outlined MSU’s strategic focus areas, built around five key pillars: teaching and learning, community engagement, partnerships, research, and innovation. He noted that MSU is positioning itself to expand into enterprise development and industrialisation, with digital transformation as a central priority.
Reflecting on the broader global context, he emphasised the need for African institutions to leverage the continent’s vast resources and invest in impactful research that addresses pressing societal challenges. He described research directorates such as RID as the “engine room” for driving meaningful change within universities.
The MSU Registrar, Mr. Tinashe Zishiri, expressed enthusiasm about the prospects for collaboration, particularly in research partnerships and co-publications, noting optimism about achieving joint outputs before the end of 2026. He also highlighted the importance of safeguarding research outputs through robust intellectual property systems.
Other members of the delegation contributed to discussions on strengthening institutional frameworks. Professor Laurine Chikoko emphasised the importance of structures that support multidisciplinary research, while Ms. Chibanda commended the University of Ghana’s strong global reputation and highlighted the critical role of data management and protection in research.
In response, RID unit heads and representatives shared insights into their respective areas. Discussions covered intellectual property management, research ethics, policy-relevant research, startup development and profit-sharing models, as well as capacity-building programmes for researchers.
The meeting also highlighted opportunities for collaboration between the publication and dissemination units of both institutions, alongside ongoing programmes within RID aimed at enhancing research visibility and impact.
The visit formed part of a broader engagement between the University of Ghana and Midlands State University, culminating in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to formalise cooperation between the two institutions.