VC Advises MDAs and National Assembly on Evidence-Based Policies

VC Advises MDAs and National Assembly on Evidence-Based Policies

The Vice-Chancellor of David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu, Ebonyi State, Prof. Jesse Uneke, has called for the integration of evidence-based public policies among members of the National Assembly, Ministries, Departments, and Agencies of government, the organized private sector, and other critical stakeholders.

He emphasized the importance of utilizing ‘evidence-synthesis reports’ to inform organizational policy and programmatic decisions, urging Nigeria to shift its focus from merely strengthening individual capacities to achieving broader goals and mandates.

Prof. Uneke, who is also the Founder of the African Institute for Health Policy and Health Systems, highlighted the necessity of developing the technical capacity of middle and senior-level policymakers to use context-specific evidence to support policy-making within the nation’s MDAs.

He stated, “This event marks the beginning of a series of training aimed at enhancing the capacity of policymakers in evidence-informed policymaking.

“During group discussions, participants identified barriers to evidence-informed policymaking in their respective ministries and agencies. They expressed appreciation for the capacity-building they received and committed to applying their new knowledge.

“I commend TetFundVC Advises MDAs and National Assembly on Evidence-Based Policies for supporting research projects in Nigerian universities. I urge TetFund to collaborate with MDAs to identify their policy priorities and commission related research within the universities.”