In an exciting development, the Africa Centre of Excellence on Technology Enhanced Learning (ACETEL) and Elsevier Company, a renowned global information analytics giant, recently engaged in discussions regarding a collaborative partnership. Their aim? To provide training and empower students and staff with the essential skills and resources needed to conduct high-quality research, share knowledge, and access valuable external funding opportunities.

The meeting, held on Friday, June 23, 2023, took place at the University Librarian's office in the headquarters of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in Abuja. Attendees included Dr. Okpala Angela Ebele, the Librarian; Khalid Salam, Elsevier Area Manager for Egypt and North-East Africa; Victor Okeugo, Elsevier Regional Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa; Ibrahim Usman, Elsevier Commercial Representative for Nigeria; and Prof. Grace E. Jokthan, the director of ACETEL.

During the meeting, Prof. Jokthan expressed the critical need for this partnership to enhance the capabilities of students and staff in sourcing research materials for high-impact journal publications. The collaboration also seeks to advance research, promote knowledge sharing, and enable individuals to secure grants from international donors.

According to reports, the meeting outlined several objectives aimed at improving the skills and competencies of students and staff members in finding and accessing relevant research materials. The focus extended to building capacity and proficiency in identifying and retrieving appropriate sources, including scholarly articles, studies, and other valuable information from reputable high-impact journals.

Moreover, the partnership aims to achieve broader outcomes related to research and funding opportunities. The ability to secure grants from international donors significantly increases the likelihood of obtaining funding for ambitious research projects. This, in turn, empowers individuals to make substantial contributions to their respective fields.

As a global information analytics company, Elsevier plays a vital role in assisting researchers in making new discoveries, fostering collaboration among colleagues, and equipping them with the knowledge needed to secure funding. Furthermore, the company provides valuable support to governments and universities, aiding them in evaluating and enhancing their research strategies.

The partnership between ACETEL and Elsevier holds immense promise for advancing research capabilities, promoting knowledge exchange, and unlocking funding opportunities for individuals and institutions within the academic landscape. By combining forces, they are poised to empower staff and students, enabling them to thrive in their scholarly pursuits and make meaningful contributions to their fields of study.