Priority Areas & Current Work
Science Education
Science Education as a core focus area for the Academy of Innovative, Science & Technological Development (AcIRSTD) centers on improving the quality, accessibility, and practical relevance of teaching science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The focus shifts traditional rote memorization toward interactive, practical discovery through empirical inquiry, critical thinking, and evidence-based reasoning
The primary objective of this program is to strengthen Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) teaching quality and curriculum frameworks, provide evidence-based advisory reports and strategic guidance to educational authorities and governments for systemic educational reform, and enhance general understanding, engagement, and critical evaluation of science among students, educators, and the public.
AcIRSTD strives to help everyone become literate in STEM by conducting research and developing tools and services for educators, researchers, and policymakers to make critical and lasting improvements in education systems.
Capacity Building and Institutional Strengthening
Capacity building and institutional strengthening focus on improving the skills, procedures, and systems of individuals and organizations to deliver effective, long-term results. The primary aim of this program is to develop robust, self-sustaining organizations and administrative systems, enhance the ability of governments, communities, and organizations to solve problems, perform core functions, and manage resources effectively without continuous external reliance capable of efficiently delivering long-term developmental goals.
AcIRSTD Core Priority Areas:
Individual Development - Upgrading personal knowledge, technical skills, and leadership capabilities through targeted training and mentorship.
Organizational Strengthening - Refining internal workflows, governance structures, financial management, and resource allocation for better efficiency.
Systemic/Enabling Environment - Updating laws, policies, and regulatory frameworks so institutions can operate transparently within a stable legal context.
The current work and implementation of the Academy capacity building is designing customized institutional capacity plans with clear accountability mechanisms, providing hands-on advice, peer-to-peer knowledge sharing, and digital tool integration, and tracking performance indicators to ensure programs adapt to emerging operational challenges
The key to success lies in aggressive public relations that can open channels to scarce resources that will enhance the Academy's staff performance and enable the creation of a more conducive infrastructure (larger office space through the acquisition of land and construction of the Academy's headquarters). The recruitment and training of staff will further enhance the image and performance of the Academy of Innovative Research, Science & Technological Development (AcIRSTD).
Implementation of Projects that Guide Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy
Implementing projects that guide Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) offers by the Academy operationalizes strategic frameworks into measurable actions that drive national growth, build technical capacity, and address global challenges such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The policy projects is to turn theoretical government strategies into practical actions that fuel economic growth, research, and national development, move a country's written goals into real-world programs, labs, and industries, direct public and private funding toward priority sectors like healthcare, energy, and agriculture, and connect government agencies, universities, and private businesses—often called the “Triple Helix of innovation model” (an economic and social framework describing the cooperative interactions between academia, industry, and government) aims — aims to foster national or regional growth, technology transfer, and local research commercialization.
In addressing and focusing on the strategic interest of government and other stakeholders involved in the economic and social development of the country, AcIRSTD is undertaking activities to guide science, technology, and innovation policy and to provide evidence-based information vital for policy formulation and implementation. The AcIRSTD's role in all of this is to listen carefully to policy makers and stakeholders and try to address their problems. By observing societal trends and concerns, the Academy will provide policy advisory products to guide government action.
Increasing and Strengthening the Visibility and Credibility of the Academy
In an increasingly competitive educational landscape, an institution's impact is directly tied to its public perception. For AcIRSTD-The Academy of Innovative Research, Science & Technological Development establishes a robust presence is no longer optional; it is a strategic necessity. This initiative outlines a comprehensive framework designed to elevate the Academy’s position as a premier authority in its field. By systematically addressing how the institution communicates its value, this strategy aims to transform internal achievements into recognized global influence.
The core of this strategy rests on two distinct but interconnected pillars: visibility and credibility.
Visibility focuses on expanding the Academy’s reach. It ensures that our research, programs, and insights penetrate key markets and reach target audiences through modern digital channels, strategic partnerships, and public engagement.
Credibility focuses on deepening trust. It reinforces the AcIRSTD's reputation for academic excellence, rigorous research, and ethical leadership, ensuring that increased visibility yields meaningful, long-term authority.
Ultimately, this initiative is not merely about promotion, but about alignment. By synchronizing our external messaging with our core academic achievements, the Academy will secure the recognition, funding, and top-tier talent required to drive future innovation and impact.
Since the creation of the Academy, efforts have been made to create relationships with government ministries, local governments, donors, and other stakeholders who need the services of science and technology. In the execution of the present strategic plan, the Academy is maintaining an active relationship with the executive and legislative branches of government as well as with local government authorities.
The Academy is proactively using the media to promote its image through the regular coverage of its activities, especially conferences, roundtable discussions, workshops, public lectures, and prize award ceremonies. The International Journal of Scientific Research, Innovation and Technological Development is published quarterly to maintain its role as the lead organ for the dissemination of the Nigeria's research results and AcIRSTD’s stand on scientific issues of national character,
Increasing the Fiscal and Financial Sustainability of the Academy
Increasing the financial strength of the Academy is critically important for the realization of its goals and objectives. Since its creation, the Academy has survived largely on the financial contributions of its membership subscription. Increasing the fiscal and financial sustainability of AcIRSTD requires shifting from a heavy reliance on this financial mean to a diversified, resilient funding model anchored on autonomous income generation and rigorous financial governance.
The Academy of Innovative Research, Science & Technological Development (AcIRSTD) Science is playing a vital role in national development, policy advice, and research excellence. However, the Academy faces structural financial vulnerabilities due to tightening membership subscription and volatile board members contributions, rising operational costs, and limited autonomous income streams. Securing long-term viability demands proactive financial strategies that safeguard core scientific missions without compromising institutional independence.
To increase the financial strength of AcIRSTD, we are presently carrying out the following:
Renewed membership drive
Sensitizing the Nigeria government to fund some of our activities (such as research activities and programs, conferences, seminars and workshops on science, technology and innovation (STI), publication of the journal, fora, etc.
Targeting international donors
The creation of an endowment fund.