Effective Care Research Unit | Dept. of Obstetrics & Gynaecology | UNIZIK

From Research
to Reality.

Improving Women's Health Outcomes through
Evidence-Based Medicine.

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300+ Publications

15+ Multi-centre Studies

113th Inaugural Lecture

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About the Unit

Effective Care Research Unit

A pioneering research unit dedicated to advancing high-quality evidence-based medicine in obstetrics and gynaecology at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.

Prof. J.I. Ikechebelu

Research Director

Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka

Institution

Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka

Department

Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Focus

Evidence-Based Medicine & RCTs

Location

Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria

The Effective Care Research Unit (ECRU) was established to advance high-quality research and training in evidence-based medicine, focusing on randomised controlled trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses that address pressing women's health needs.

Under the directorship of Prof. J.I. Ikechebelu, with Prof. George Uchenna Eleje serving as Research Coordinator, ECRU has grown into an internationally recognised centre conducting diverse research that transforms clinical practice across Nigeria and beyond.

Our work spans feto-maternal medicine, infectious diseases in pregnancy, reproductive health, diagnostics, and health policy, all united by the commitment to translate rigorous evidence into real-world impact.

300+ Publications

15+ Multi-centre Studies

6 Unit Members

5+ Int'l Grants

Our People

The Research Team

Meet the distinguished faculty driving evidence-based women's health research at Nnamdi Azikiwe University.

Research Director

Prof. Joseph Ifeanyichukwu Ikechebelu

Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka

Research Coordinator

Prof. George Uchenna Eleje

Professor of Feto-maternal & Evidence-Based Medicine

Research Consultant

Prof. Gerald Udigwe

Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka

Research Consultant

Prof. Chukwuemeka Ezeama

Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka

Research Officer

Dr. Boniface Okpala

Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka

Research Officer

Dr. Chukwudubem Onyejiaka

Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka

Research Portfolio

Areas of Scholarly Focus

Rigorous, evidence-driven research designed to address the most pressing challenges in maternal and fetal medicine.

Feto-maternal Medicine

Comprehensive research into high-risk pregnancies, fetal surveillance, maternal complications, and perinatal outcomes.

High-Risk PregnancyPerinatal Care

Evidence-Based Medicine

Systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and randomised controlled trials that synthesise the best available evidence.

Systematic ReviewsRCTs

Infections in Pregnancy

HIV, hepatitis B & C, malaria, schistosomiasis, integrating screening and prophylaxis into antenatal care.

HIVHepatitisMalaria

Clinical Pharmacology

Investigating safety, efficacy, and optimal dosing of pharmacological interventions in obstetric emergencies.

Drug SafetyObstetric Emergencies

Health Policy & Systems

Translating research findings into actionable health policies and capacity-building programmes across Nigeria.

Policy TranslationCapacity Building

Diagnostic Innovation

Validating rapid bedside diagnostics for PROM, chorioamnionitis, and preterm birth prediction in low-resource settings.

DiagnosticsPROMPreterm Birth

View Full Research Portfolio

Highlighted Event

113th Inaugural Lecture

A landmark academic event celebrating decades of transformative research in maternal and fetal medicine.

25th September 2025 Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Nigeria