Increasing Funding for Research and Development: A Vital Step for Nigeria’s Development
Dr. Olusola Odusanya, the Director-General of the National Centre for Technology Management (NACETEM), has underscored the necessity for the Federal Government to allocate additional funds to research and development (R&D) institutes in Nigeria. This call to action was made during a workshop focused on national research and development survey and Government Budgetary Allocation to Research and Development (GBARD) in Abuja, where Dr. Odusanya emphasized the pivotal role of research in generating new knowledge and enhancing existing systems to fuel development.
The workshop, which centered on the theme ‘Dissemination Workshop on Navigating Research and Development Frontiers: A National Workshop on Emerging Indicators’, convened policymakers, industrialists, experts in science, technology and innovation, as well as academics from various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), international agencies, and the private sector.
Dr. Odusanya accentuated that the anticipated results of the survey will contribute to Nigeria’s representation in international databases and national planning, ultimately bolstering the country’s global competitiveness in the field of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI).
He expressed NACETEM’s unwavering commitment to introducing new knowledge into the economy through pioneering research geared towards improving economic conditions. Notably, he underscored the indispensable nature of data in providing clarity on various issues in every aspect of the environment. Furthermore, Dr. Odusanya emphasized the significance of infusing new knowledge into the economy to propel Nigeria’s development across sectors such as transport, marine, agriculture, mining, and aviation. He urged collective efforts to ensure the infusion of new knowledge, which will, in turn, create new job opportunities and drive the country’s economy.
During the workshop, Chris Maiyaki, the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), underscored the importance of developing and transitioning Core Curriculum Minimum Academic Standards to enhance the quality of teaching, learning, and research in Nigerian universities.
The event additionally garnered the participation of heads of research departments from various government agencies such as the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB), and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
The call for increased funding for R&D institutes marks a significant stride in the right direction for Nigeria’s socio-economic development. It echoes the recognition of the pivotal role that research and development play in propelling innovation, economic growth, and national development. By allocating adequate funds to research, the government can foster an environment that nurtures creativity, problem-solving, and the generation of new knowledge that is essential for addressing the country’s developmental challenges.
As Nigeria strives to enhance its global competitiveness in the fields of science, technology, and innovation, initiatives to support R&D institutions and promote a culture of research are imperative. Furthermore, the dissemination of the outcomes of this survey will contribute to global knowledge resources, providing valuable insights for national and international stakeholders.
In conclusion, the prioritisation of funding for research and development is a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future. It signifies a commitment to leveraging the power of knowledge and innovation to drive sustainable growth and development. As the nation continues to make progress in this area, collaborative efforts between government, academia, and the private sector will be vital in ensuring the effective utilization of research findings for the benefit of society.
