To increase the number of high quality, up-to-date Cochrane systematic reviews relevant to the African region by

·         Facilitating the preparation of systematic reviews of health care interventions in the African region

·         Providing training and support to Nigeria-based authors of Cochrane reviews

To promote the science of research synthesis by

·         Helping researchers, health workers and policy makers to acquire basic skills in research synthesis and Health Technology Assessment (HTA) through short courses, seminars, workshops and interactive distant learning opportunities on the Internet

To promote access to Cochrane systematic reviews and derivative products by

·          Promoting the use of The Cochrane Library through the Nigerian Federal and State Ministries of health, and working towards access to The Cochrane Library for Nigerians

·          Providing access to the results of Cochrane reviews through dissemination of Cochrane derivative products (plain language summaries, critical appraisal and invited summaries)

To promote evidence-based practice and policy in the African region by

·         Raising awareness about Evidence-based Health Care

·         Promoting the use of research in health care decision making

To promote the optimal functioning and sustainable growth of The Cochrane Collaboration by

·         Establishing links with Cochrane contributors in West Africa and promoting collaboration with other countries in the region

·          Hand searching to identify trials in Nigerian and sub-regional journals not indexed in Medline

·          Establishing a website for the branch and encouraging Nigerian Cochrane contributors to access resources in evidence-based health care including sources available though HINARI