Mentorship in African health and clinical research: addressing barriers and building research capacity

Nwalieji, Chioma Adaora; Onukansi, Francisca Ogochukwu; Anokwuru, Collins Chibueze; Ikhuoria, Ogechi Vinaprisca; Eneh, Stanley Chinedu; Nwuzoh, Moses Ifeatu; Shaibu, Patrick Yila; Ojo, Temitope Olumuyiwa; Chigozie, Okoli Chukwudinma

Mentorship in African health and clinical research: addressing barriers and building research capacity

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NWALIEJI, Chioma Adaora, ONUKANSI, Francisca Ogochukwu, ANOKWURU, Collins Chibueze, IKHUORIA, Ogechi Vinaprisca, ENEH, Stanley Chinedu, NWUZOH, Moses Ifeatu, SHAIBU, Patrick Yila, OJO, Temitope Olumuyiwa and CHIGOZIE, Okoli Chukwudinma (2025). Mentorship in African health and clinical research: addressing barriers and building research capacity. Human Resources for Health, 23 (1): 55. [Article]

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Abstract

Mentorship plays a vital role in building research capacity, advancing evidence-based medicine, and fostering innovation in clinical practice, particularly in Africa, where Human Resources for Health (HRH) remain a persistent and complex challenge. Health mentors offer invaluable support by guiding early-career researchers in both clinical and research domains, thereby contributing to the mitigation of healthcare challenges across the continent. Effective mentorship enhances productivity, research quality, and professional networking opportunities. Africa’s HRH landscape is marked by significant obstacles, including the brain drain of experienced professionals, outdated research infrastructure, limited funding, and the absence of structured mentorship programs for emerging researchers. The shortage of skilled mentors deprives young professionals of critical guidance, hindering their ability to produce high-quality research and to effectively address pressing local health issues through evidence-based practice. To address these challenges, this article proposes innovative strategies to actively engage young African researchers and establish structured, sustainable mentorship programs that empower them to participate in research-driven decision-making. It also calls on the African Union to adopt policies that prioritize research and allocate dedicated funding for mentorship initiatives. Additionally, leveraging technology such as artificial intelligence (AI) and gamification can enhance mentorship effectiveness, accessibility, and engagement. Moreover, the promotion of international exchange programs would offer young African researchers valuable exposure, broaden their technical skills, and strengthen global networks. In conclusion, strengthening mentorship frameworks, improving research infrastructure, and investing in the next generation of researchers are critical steps toward addressing Africa’s health challenges and advancing its scientific leadership.

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** From Springer Nature via Jisc Publications Router ** History: received 21-12-2024; registration 07-10-2025; accepted 07-10-2025; epub 23-10-2025; online 23-10-2025; collection 01-12-2025. ** Licence for this article: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ ** Acknowledgements: The authors gratefully acknowledge the support and mentorship provided through the Youth in Research Hub. This manuscript is a product of collaborative engagement and capacity-building efforts led by the Hub to foster research leadership among early-career African scholars. We are especially thankful for the invaluable mentorship, guidance, and contributions of the many individuals who have significantly shaped our academic and research journey. In particular, we recognize Prof. Osaro Mgbere (University of Houston, USA); Dr. Babayemi Olakunde (University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, USA & IVAN Research Institute, Nigeria); Dr. Temitope Ojo and Prof. Olusegun Afolabi (Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria); Prof. Paat Yok Fong (University of Texas at El Paso, TX, USA); Dr. Phindile Khumola (ICON plc); Prof. Ezeanoule Ezeanolue (IVAN Research Institute, Nigeria); Dr. John Olawepo (Northeastern University, Boston, USA & IVAN Research Institute, Nigeria); Dr. Olutayo Margaret Alese (College of Medicine, Ekiti State University, Nigeria); Prof. Tonia Onyeka and Dr. Ngozi (IVAN Research Institute, Nigeria); Prof. Cyril Dim, Prof. Chigbu Chibuike, Dr. Itanyi Ijeoma, Dr. Lasebikan Nwamaka, Dr. Ibuchukwu Nkeonyenasoya Orabueze and Dr. Ifeorah Ijeoma (College of Medicine, University of Nigeria); Prof. Gregory Aarons (University of California, San Diego); Dr. Bembir Chinenye (IVAN Research Institute, Nigeria); Prof. Ehimario Igumbor and Prof. Rosemary Audu (Nigerian Institute of Medical Research); Dr. Nnakelu Eriobu and Dr. Evaezi Okpokoro (Institute of Human Virology Nigeria); Dr. Stanley Elemuo, Dr. Etoniru Izuchukwu and Dr. Agnes Nwakanma (Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University); Prof. Onyeka Iwuchukwu (National Open University of Nigeria);Prof. Chukwuocha Uchechukwu, Prof. JC Nwaokoro and Dr. Dozie Ugonma (Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria); Prof. Don Eliseo III Lucero-Prisno (London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, UK); Stanley Chinedu Eneh (Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria & IVAN Research Institute, Nigeria); Dr. Victory Ekpin (University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, Nigeria); Yusuff Adebisi (PhD Scholar, University of Glasgow, UK); Dr. Chijioke Kaduru (Corona Management Systems); Dr. MaryJoy Umoke (Ebonyi State Ministry of Health, Nigeria); Dr. Prince Christian Iheanachor Umoke (mni) (University of Nigeria, Nsukka); Dr. Jennifer Amadi (University of Manitoba); Dr. Vivian Ogbonna (School of Public Health, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria); and others whose insights and encouragement have left a lasting mark on our research journey so far. We deeply appreciate their mentorship and the profound impact they have had on our academic, research, and professional development.

Uncontrolled Keywords:

Clinical practice, Build capacity, Young scholars, Clinical research, African, Human resource, Mentorship

Identifiers

Identification Number:

10.1186/s12960-025-01024-0

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Article

SWORD Depositor:

Colin Knott

Depositing User:

Colin Knott