Malaysia varsity names Achievers don research fellow

An Associate Professor of Mass Communication at Achievers University, Owo, Dr Chike Duru, has been appointed a Research Fellow at INTI International University, Malaysia.

The appointment, which takes effect from May 19, 2026, to December 31, 2028, recognises Duru’s contributions to strategic communication, media studies, governance, international development and communication research.

According to a statement by the Malaysian university, the fellowship is aimed at promoting research excellence, strengthening institutional research standards and advancing international academic collaboration.

As a Research Fellow, Duru will participate in collaborative research projects, international conferences, research symposiums, postgraduate supervision, guest lectures, curriculum development, research consultancy and scholarly publications.

The fellowship also provides access to research funding and institutional support for disseminating research findings.

Duru, who heads the Department of Mass Communication at Achievers University, combines academic leadership with more than two decades of professional experience spanning the public, private, humanitarian and international development sectors.

He recently served as a Communication Expert with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Nigeria. He previously led communications for the Nigeria Digital Identification for Development Project, a World Bank-supported initiative co-funded by the European Investment Bank and the French Development Agency.

His consultancy portfolio includes serving as Lead Communication and Advocacy Consultant on the European Union-funded Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme and the UK Department for International Development-supported Justice for All Programme, where he contributed to transparency, justice sector reforms and citizen engagement.

Duru also served as Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Governor of Imo State and was among the pioneers of Nigeria’s Open Government Partnership, co-chairing the Access to Information Working Group that advanced transparency and accountability reforms.

His academic career has included teaching appointments at the American University of Nigeria, Yola, Prime University, Abuja, Madonna University and Achievers University. He has authored several textbooks, contributed chapters to scholarly publications and published more than 50 peer-reviewed journal articles in public relations, development communication, journalism, media studies, advertising and African communication systems.

Reacting to the appointment, Duru described it as an opportunity to deepen international research collaboration and contribute to knowledge that addresses contemporary communication and development challenges.

“This fellowship provides an excellent platform for international academic collaboration, interdisciplinary research and knowledge exchange. I look forward to working with colleagues at INTI International University to produce impactful research that contributes to communication scholarship and sustainable development,” he said.