Iconic Open University, a tech-driven open-distance learning institution licensed by the National Universities Commission, has announced a call for applications for leadership and research positions at three newly established research centres across Northern Nigeria.
The University, through its Directorate of Research, Innovation, and The Impossible (DRII), is inviting highly qualified researchers to coordinate the establishment and operations of specialised research centres strategically located in Kano, Sokoto and Zamfara States.
The research centres, designed to bridge the gap between academic research and practical socio-economic development, are:
- Centre for Agriculture and Mineral Value Research and Development, Gusau, Zamfara State focusing on Agricultural production, processing and value-chain; solid mineral development
- Centre for Industrial Renewal Research and Development, Kano, Kano State focusing on Industrial revitalisation, manufacturing innovation, and SME development
- Centre for Public and Community Health Research and Development, Sokoto, Sokoto State, focusing on Public health systems, community health integration, health policy and resource allocation
According to the University’s prospectus, Iconic Open University operates with a clear mission: “to integrate learning and research through an open system that leverages technology in line with the global best practice of tertiary education”. The University’s core values of Excellence, Professionalism, Productivity, Innovation, Leadership, and Responsibility underpin its commitment to addressing Nigeria, Africa, and global challenges through targeted research and innovation.
The DRII, which is spearheading this initiative, operates with a vision to “brain child innovation and research and make what is impossible possible within and outside the university to contribute towards societal development and address global challenges”.
Positions Available and Remuneration
The University invites applications for the following positions at each of the three research centres:
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Research Coordinator:– Responsible to the Director for coordinating overall day-to-day administration, operations, timelines, budgets, research team strategic direction, research conceptualisation and agenda setting, stakeholder engagement, and general administration.
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Research Associate:– Handles data collection and analysis, literature reviews, report drafting, and project support coordination activities.
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Research Assistant:– Provides administrative support, research support, documentation assistance, and fieldwork support.
A competitive monthly remuneration is offered plus travel allowance is for field trip where and when applicable.
Employment Conditions
The positions are contract-based, physical (on-site), and full-time, with a duration of six months, renewable or terminable based on performance. A probationary period of six months applies, with performance assessed at the end of each month throughout the probationary period. Unsatisfactory performance at any stage may result in immediate contract revocation. Successful candidates must be based at the designated centre location.
Qualification Requirements
For Research Coordinator:
Candidates must possess a Doctorate (PhD) degree in fields relevant to the centre’s focus area:
- Agriculture and Mineral Centre: Agricultural Science, Mineral Processing, Metallurgy, Geology, or related disciplines
- Industrial Renewal Centre: Industrial Management, Manufacturing, Business Management, Entrepreneurship, Economics, or related disciplines
- Public and Community Health Centre: Public Health, Community Health, Epidemiology, Health Policy, or related disciplines
Additional requirements include a demonstrable track record of research, evidence of successful research completion and project management experience, experience in group and individual research, and a strong network within the relevant sector (industry, government, or academia).
Desirable attributes include experience in nationally or internationally recognised research institutions, experience in working at a research centre, interdisciplinary research experience, managerial experience, demonstrated ability to engage with policymakers and industry stakeholders, excellent communication and stakeholder mobilisation skills, and experience in media communication, writing, and publication.
For Research Associate:
Candidates must hold a Master’s degree in a relevant field, with evidence of research experience, strong analytical and report-writing skills, and proficiency in relevant research methodologies and statistical tools.
For Research Assistant:
A Bachelor’s degree with at least Second Class Honours (Upper Division) in a relevant field is required, along with a minimum of two years of research support experience, demonstrable IT and communication skills, and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and research software.
Application Requirements
Interested candidates should submit:
- Application Letter indicating the preferred centre and position
- Curriculum Vitae containing personal information, educational qualifications, professional experience, research output, professional affiliations, and three referees
- Vision Statement (maximum 2 pages) articulating the candidate’s vision for the centre, a strategic personal plan for the first three years, and proposed research concepts aligned with the centre’s mandate
- Copies of credentials (certificates, professional licenses)
- Evidence of Research Experience (research outputs, project completion or commendation letters)
- Recommendation Letters from three professional referees
Application Procedure
All applications must be submitted within two weeks of the call publication, with a deadline of 23rd August, 2026. Applications should be submitted only through the designated web form. No hard copy applications will be accepted.
**Link: **
Click this link to download full call-for-application document: https://drive.google.com/file/d/18rJamkmOllGNd5br_VYHszV7V4sjVGHB/view?usp=sharing
Click here to access the application form:
Applications should be addressed to:
The Registrar
Iconic Open University
Attention:
The Director
Directorate of Research, Innovation, and The Impossible (DRII)
Enquiries
For further information, contact:
The Directorate of Research, Innovation, and The Impossible (DRII)
Iconic Open University, P.M.B. 02121 Sokoto, Nigeria
Tel: +234 8142829382
Email: [email protected]
**Note: **Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interview. Iconic Open University is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from qualified individuals regardless of gender, ethnicity, or religion.