INTI International University, Malaysia, has appointed renowned Nigerian communication scholar and Associate Professor of Mass Communication at Achievers University, Owo, Dr. Chike Walter Duru, as a Research Fellow.
The appointment, which runs from May 19, 2026, to December 31, 2028, recognises Dr. Duru’s contributions to strategic communication, media studies, governance, international development and communication research. It also places him among a global network of scholars promoting collaborative research and academic innovation.
According to an appointment letter signed by the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Joseph Lee, the fellowship is aimed at advancing research excellence, strengthening institutional research standards and fostering international scholarly collaboration.
As a Research Fellow, Dr. Duru will participate in collaborative research projects, international conferences, postgraduate supervision, guest lectures, research consultancy, curriculum development and scholarly publications. The role also provides opportunities for research funding and institutional support.
Dr. Duru currently heads the Department of Mass Communication at Achievers University, Owo. He has over two decades of experience in strategic communication, governance reform, humanitarian response, media management, public affairs and stakeholder engagement across the public, private and international development sectors.
He previously served as a Communication Expert with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) in Nigeria and also led communications for the World Bank-supported Nigeria Digital Identification for Development (ID4D) Project. His consultancy experience includes work on the European Union-funded Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (ROLAC) Programme and the UK-supported Justice for All (J4A) Programme.
Reacting to the appointment, Dr. Duru described the fellowship as an opportunity to strengthen international academic collaboration and contribute to research addressing 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.
Dr. Duru holds a Ph.D. in Mass Communication from the University of Uyo, a master’s degree from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and a bachelor’s degree from Imo State University. He is also a member of several professional bodies, including the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the African Council for Communication Education (ACCE) and the Association of Media and Communication Researchers of Nigeria (AMCRON).
