The Institute’s mission is to research into critical development issues conduct and facilitate research aimed at providing accurate data on relevant aspects that could lead to the much needed human and material development in Nigeria. It also aims to conduct and disseminate results of advanced research at postgraduate and post-doctoral levels in all areas of development.
The vision therefore is to contribute to shaping new thinking and practice of development that is beneficial to the poor, through establishing a body of knowledge that would transform thinking within academic institutions and in the development arena. In other words, it envisages a shift in development thinking to a more organic practice which taps its approach, meaning and outputs from local realities and sensibilities. Such knowledge would be usable by development implementers from Ministries through to NGOs and CBOs.
The University is keen that IDR becomes a site for debates and policy dialogue that would contribute to shaping policy formulation and action in Nigeria.