A new tool for policymakers, implementers, and partners to design smarter health interventions in Nigeria.
Abuja, Nigeria – September 24, 2025
As part of its mission to drive evidence-based policy and implementation in Nigeria’s health sector, SCIDaR has launched its first-ever Knowledge Compendium. The publication was unveiled at the 2025 Nigeria Implementation Science Alliance (NISA) Conference in Abuja, which took place from September 11-13 and drew policymakers, researchers, program implementers, and development partners from across Nigeria and beyond.
“From the Compendium, I have seen examples of research that emerged directly from field experiences studies that were not just theoretical but implemented and tested, with real results,” - Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare,Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako.
What the Compendium Offers
Drawing on more than a decade of work, the SCIDaR Knowledge Compendium presents 33 research papers and conference abstracts from over 50 projects, providing policymakers and partners with practical lessons for strengthening health systems. The Compendium is structured around thematic areas, including Health Systems Strengthening, Demand Generation, Digital Health, Maternal and Newborn Health, Primary Healthcare, Nutrition, Health Security, and Governance. Together, these sections highlight what it takes to design and scale effective interventions across varied contexts, from urban centres adopting digital solutions to remote, conflict-affected communities supported through mobile outreach.
“This Compendium is a bridge between knowledge and action,” said Uchenna Igbokwe, Executive Director at SCIDaR. “It equips policymakers with tested approaches that can improve programs and accelerate progress toward universal health coverage.”
Each of its five sections combines data, case studies, and practical recommendations, making complex evidence accessible to policymakers and implementers. It brings together tested approaches, lessons from the field, and the enabling conditions that sustain progress.
Why this matters now
Nigeria’s health sector continues to face complex challenges: financing gaps, service delivery bottlenecks, and persistent inequities. Yet solutions are emerging from government initiatives, technical partnerships, and community-led innovations.
Speaking at the launch of the Compendium, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, emphasized that “Research in Nigeria must move beyond publication’s sake and directly address systemic challenges.” The Compendium responds to this call by documenting practical solutions that policymakers can adapt and scale.
By publishing this resource, SCIDaR reinforces its role as a knowledge broker, convening evidence, elevating lessons, and supporting government leadership to accelerate progress toward universal health coverage.
Voices beyond SCIDaR
The launch of the SCIDaR Knowledge Compendium has drawn significant attention across national media, with outlets such as Champion News, Punch Nigeria, and TV360 Nigeria describing it as a “groundbreaking tool” for bridging the persistent gap between research and policy. Reports highlighted the Federal Government’s endorsement of the Compendium and praised SCIDaR’s commitment to generating locally driven evidence to inform health decisions.
Nigeria’s healthcare landscape is poised for a significant transformation with the introduction of a groundbreaking Knowledge Compendium launched by the Solina Centre for International Development and Research (SCIDaR) in Abuja. - Daily Champion
Nigeria has thrown its weight behind a new ‘Health Knowledge Compendium’, describing it as a practical tool to ensure that scientific evidence informs real-world health policies and programmes. - TV360 Nigeria
Television coverage and online commentary from development experts further celebrated the Compendium as a masterpiece of knowledge translation.
FG Warns Against Research For Publication Sake As SCIDaR Unveils Compendium For Health Reforms - NTA
The Road Ahead
With the Compendium now available, SCIDaR plans to disseminate its findings widely to state and national policymakers through workshops, policy dialogues, and integration into capacity-building programs.
We invite policymakers, partners, and practitioners to explore the Compendium and apply its lessons in relevant contexts. Access the full Compendium here and join SCIDaR in translating knowledge into action for stronger health systems.
