The Institute has opportunities for collaborative interdisciplinary research with the academic staff members in the University, other Nigerian universities and those abroad as well as with local and international agencies. Such studies run for short periods of one year to a maximum of three to five years. The Institute welcomes well-articulated proposals on different aspects of Nigerian/African life especially, those on the people of South-Eastern Nigeria and their neighbors. Proposals could be sent to the Director at any time of the year.

The Institute obtains a small amount of funds from the University to sustain basic research operations but solicits major funding from grant-awarding bodies, government agencies and individuals interested in African Studies.

The Institute has concluded research studies on the bellow issue areas:
 Studies in Igbo Civilization
 Foundation of Igbo Culture/Civilization
 Nigeria in the 1980s
 Igboland in Transition, 1900-1950 by C.N. Ubah
 Traditional Igbo Medicine by Prof. M.M. Iwu
 Ikenga in Igbo life, etc