International Centre for Regional Integration & Trade Research

INTRODUCING OUR NEW CERTIFICATE PROGRAMMES IN INTERNATIONAL TRADE

The International Centre for Regional Integration & Trade Research (ICRITR), Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, is pleased to announce the commencement of admissions into its 2026 Certificate and Diploma Programmes.

Designed to equip participants with practical and industry-relevant skills, these programmes cover key areas including Trade Policy & Economic Integration, Trade Negotiation Skills, Foreign Trade Management, Foreign Trade Assistance, Trade Ethics & Business Etiquette, and Non-Tariff Measures to Trade.

Whether you are a school leaver, business owner, professional, or career seeker, this is an opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and skills for success in today’s global economy.

• Duration: 3–6 Months
• Mode of Study: Weekend & Online
• Minimum Entry Requirement: SSCE or Equivalent
• Award: Recognised University Certificate

Applications are now open.

For enquiries:
0902801800, 0908183137578, 08035962584

Website: icritr.unizik.edu.ng

Prof. Ngozi Egbuna Leads ICRITR Visit to NEPC on Export Development and Trade Research Partnership

The International Centre for Regional Integration and Trade Research (ICRITR), Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, led by its Director, Prof. Ngozi Egbuna, paid a strategic visit to the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration on export development, trade research, and regional integration.

The engagement focused on building a sustainable institutional partnership aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s export competitiveness through research, capacity development, policy support, and stakeholder engagement in line with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework.

In her welcome address, the senior and executive management staff of NEPC, led by the Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Nonye Ayeni, warmly received the ICRITR delegation, describing the visit as timely, strategic, and deeply appreciated.

Mrs. Ayeni stated that NEPC remains committed to promoting non-oil exports and supporting Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda, stressing that achieving such objectives requires strong collaboration with research and policy institutions like ICRITR.

She further noted that NEPC sees great opportunities for partnership with ICRITR in areas including trade research, capacity building, export development, trade intelligence, and stakeholder engagement.

According to her, both institutions can work together meaningfully towards strengthening Nigeria’s export competitiveness and advancing regional integration across Africa.

During the engagement, discussions centered on proposed areas of collaboration including joint certification programmes on export readiness and procedures, trade finance and payment systems, AfCFTA opportunities and compliance, executive training programmes, and research on non-oil export diversification, trade facilitation, and regional value chains.

The proposed partnership is also expected to support SMEs through technical assistance on product standardization, market access strategies, export incubation programmes, and the development of trade policy briefs, export intelligence reports, conferences, and policy dialogue platforms.

Prof. Ngozi Egbuna emphasized the importance of stronger collaboration between policy institutions and academic research centres in driving sustainable trade development, export growth, and economic integration within Africa.

ICRITR Participates in ECOFEPA Executive Masterclass on Regional Trade and Export Development

ICRITR Participates in ECOFEPA Executive Masterclass on Regional Trade and Export Development The International Centre for Regional Integration and Trade Research (ICRITR), Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, was represented by its Director, Prof. Ngozi Egbuna, at the ECOFEPA Executive Masterclass Programme held at the ECOWAS Parliament International Conference Centre, Area 10, Abuja. The …

ICRITR Participates in ECOFEPA Executive Masterclass on Regional Trade and Export Development

The International Centre for Regional Integration and Trade Research (ICRITR), Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, was represented by its Director, Prof. Ngozi Egbuna, at the ECOFEPA Executive Masterclass Programme held at the ECOWAS Parliament International Conference Centre, Area 10, Abuja.

The programme, themed “Advancing Women’s Participation in Global Trade and Export Opportunities in the ECOWAS Region,” brought together policymakers, trade experts, financial institutions, entrepreneurs, and regional stakeholders to discuss strategies for strengthening export development and economic inclusion across West Africa.

Prof. Ngozi Egbuna, Director of ICRITR and Chairperson of the World Trade Organization Nigeria, delivered the keynote address at the event and further projected the vision of ICRITR as a leading centre for trade research, regional integration, policy innovation, and export capacity development.

The event featured notable personalities including Senator Chantal Moussokoura F***y, President of ECOFEPA; Laurent Loukou, Chief Executive Officer of Air Cote Ivoire; Dr. Olasupo Olusi, Director General of the Bank of Industry Nigeria; Rt. Hon. Hadja Memounatou Ibrahima, Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament; Jeremiah Agala, Executive Director of Inspired to Lead Initiatives; Hon. Zainab Gimba, 1st President of ECOFEPA; Dr. Oniyie Okpa, Founder of Women in Trade, Agribusiness and Export (WATEX); Alamin Ishaq, Analyst, Digital Banking and Innovation at Afreximbank; Ellah Omezi, Chief Executive Officer of Pleroma Farms and Agribusiness Limited; representatives of NEXIM Bank; and Hon. Rosa Rocha Lopez, 2nd Vice President of ECOFEPA.

Technical sessions focused on export readiness, packaging and standards compliance, market entry strategies, e-commerce and digital trade, trade financing, and unlocking global market opportunities for women-led businesses across the ECOWAS region.

Nigeria's First WTO Chair, Prof.Egbuna,To Receive Academia of The Year Award

Nigeria’s First WTO Chair, Prof. Egbuna, To Receive Academic of the Year Award – THISDAYLIVE Professor Ngozi Eunice Egbuna, a leading economist and former Director-General of the West African Monetary Institute (WAMI), has been named recipient of the 2025 AMTY Academic of the Year Award.

ICRITR Marks International Women’s Day with Strong Call for Mentorship in Academia

ICRITR Marks International Women’s Day with Strong Call for Mentorship in Academia The International Women’s Day 2026 Programme was on Tuesday, March 24, commemorated by the International Centre for Regional Integration and Trade Research in Awka, with a renewed call for mentorship, collaboration and mutual support among women in academia. The programme, …

ICRITR Marks International Women’s Day with Strong Call for Mentorship in Academia

The International Women’s Day 2026 Programme was on Tuesday, March 24, commemorated by the International Centre for Regional Integration and Trade Research in Awka, with a renewed call for mentorship, collaboration and mutual support among women in academia.

The programme, held at the Centre’s auditorium and organised in partnership with UNIZIK FM 94.1, brought together scholars, students and other participants both physically and virtually to discuss practical ways of advancing women’s growth in the academic environment.

In her opening remarks, the Director of ICRITR, Professor Ngozi Eunice Egbuna, stressed that mentorship remains a key driver of progress in academia. She said senior academics must be intentional in guiding younger colleagues, adding that institutions become stronger when knowledge and opportunities are shared.

She noted that supporting others to rise does not diminish individual success but rather expands the impact of academic work and leadership.

Also speaking, the Chairperson of the occasion Dr. Mrs. Agatha Ijeoma Muoka (née Obiadi) called on women to remain united and committed to one another’s growth. She emphasised the importance of collective effort in building a more inclusive and supportive academic system.

Delivering the keynote address, Professor Ifeoma Dunu spoke on the theme “Give to Gain,” urging women to embrace mentorship, knowledge-sharing and collaboration as tools for advancement.

According to her, giving within the academic space involves opening doors for others, offering guidance and creating opportunities that enable more women to succeed. She added that when such support becomes intentional, it produces lasting results across institutions.

In her contribution, Dr. Ngozi Ulogu, Chairperson of the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations, highlighted the need for women to be more visible and active in professional spaces. She noted that effective communication and participation are important in shaping influence and recognition.

The programme also featured an interactive session where participants exchanged ideas on strengthening mentorship and collaboration. Contributions centred on building strong networks, encouraging continuous engagement and creating opportunities for women to grow within academic institutions.

The event ended with a closing prayer led by Pastor Innocent Mouka.