General Overview

The Institute of Applied Research, Creativity and Practical Interventions (IRACIP) is a specialized academic and scientific structure of the International Private University BAKAYE (UPIB-NIGER). It serves as the operational arm of the University for applied research, social innovation, and community-based expertise.

IRACIP fully aligns with the overall mission of UPIB-NIGER, which seeks to closely link higher education, applied research, innovation, and community services in response to the challenges of sustainable development in Niger, Africa, and globally.

Mission of IRACIP

The primary mission of IRACIP is to develop, coordinate, and promote applied research, creative innovation, and practical interventions in close partnership with public, private, community-based, and international stakeholders, in order to contribute to sustainable development and community well-being.

To achieve this mission, IRACIP specifically aims to:

• Strengthen scientific and technical collaboration between UPIB-NIGER and external partners (universities, research centers, NGOs, local authorities, businesses, and public institutions);
• Transform university research outcomes into concrete and applicable solutions to socio-economic, environmental, and institutional challenges;
• Support public policies and community initiatives through action research, operational studies, and targeted expertise;
• Promote creativity, local innovation, and knowledge-based entrepreneurship.

Vision of IRACIP

IRACIP's vision is to become a leading reference institute in Africa for applied research, social innovation, and community intervention, recognized for its ability to bring together universities and external partners around sustainable and inclusive solutions.

In the long term, IRACIP aims to position UPIB-NIGER as a university deeply connected to the real needs of society, capable of positively influencing local, national, and regional development dynamics.

Governance and Operational Structures of IRACIP

IRACIP is a specialized academic and scientific structure affiliated with the Rectorate of UPIB-NIGER. It represents the University's operational hub for applied research, innovation, and practical interventions, with a strong orientation toward community service and sustainable development.

The Institute's main role is to design, coordinate, and implement activities related to applied research, action research, social and technological innovation, as well as consultancy and advisory services. It acts as a strategic interface between UPIB-NIGER and public and private stakeholders, community organizations, NGOs, and technical and financial partners at both national and international levels. Through its activities, IRACIP contributes to the scientific visibility of the University and the valorization of academic research outcomes.

IRACIP Coordination

The IRACIP Coordination is the scientific, strategic, and operational steering body of the Institute. It is responsible for planning, guiding, coordinating, and monitoring all research, innovation, and intervention activities implemented by IRACIP.

Under the authority of the Rectorate, the Coordination Unit ensures scientific coherence, methodological quality, and the relevance of practical interventions. It initiates and develops institutional, academic, and technical partnerships, negotiates collaboration agreements, and ensures their effective implementation. The Coordination Unit represents IRACIP within university bodies, to external partners and donors, and produces technical and strategic reports for the Rectorate and the governance bodies of UPIB-NIGER.

IRACIP Technical and Administrative Secretariat

The Technical and Administrative Secretariat provides administrative, financial, and logistical support to IRACIP. It ensures the smooth day-to-day functioning of the Institute by supporting the Coordination Unit and departments in the implementation of their activities.

Its responsibilities include the administrative management of human and material resources, preparation and monitoring of administrative files, document management, and logistical organization of meetings, workshops, missions, and field activities. The Secretariat also manages the routine financial operations of IRACIP's projects and programs, in compliance with UPIB-NIGER's rules and procedures. Through its work, it contributes to the efficiency, transparency, and good governance of the Institute.

Departments of IRACIP

To ensure scientific effectiveness, operational coherence, and social relevance, IRACIP is structured into thematic departments. These departments serve as the core units for the design, implementation, and dissemination of applied research, innovation, and practical intervention activities. They are organized around key sustainable development challenges and operate through an interdisciplinary approach, promoting collaboration among researchers, practitioners, and external partners.