Nigeria’s Snoozing Research Institutions
THE place of research in any country’s development aspirations cannot be over-emphasised. It is no surprise that funds are regularly made available for this purpose. Often, the problem is not with funding but the judicious utilisation of available resources.
Recently, the federal government was reported to have approved a ₦4.2 billion research grant for 158 research projects under the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) National Research Fund (NRF) 2024 Grant Cycle.
A statement by TETfund indicated that the government also approved the award of contracts for establishing 18 Innovation and Entrepreneurship hubs in institutions recommended by TETFund across the country’s six geopolitical zones in the Fund’s 2024 Intervention.
The approved research works include: the development of a sustainable, eco-friendly walling system for Low-Cost Housing in Rural Communities of Nigeria, the development of a hybrid cubic fertiliser using plant-based binders for efficient nutrient release and utilisation, and the development of an Intelligent Aerial Robotics System for Efficient Weed and Disease Management in Maize-Cowpea Farmland in Nigeria.
Others include the development of an artificial intelligence-enabled Internet of Medical Things for military physiological monitoring and activity recognition systems in war zones and development of a novel intelligent electrical energy management metering.
As a newspaper, we worry that most of these researches may end up in academic publications, and no effort will be made to develop them into products and services that will benefit Nigerians.
A World Bank Nigeria Development Update (NDU) indicated that research findings are not effectively translated into practical applications and policy changes in Nigeria.
Attributing it to a gap between research, policy, and implementation, it noted that Nigeria faces challenges in translating research and development into widespread economic impact.
It needs to be reiterated that research propels humanity forward. Without curiosity and research, progress would grind to a halt, and lives as we know them would be completely different.
Nigeria’s burgeoning population offers substantial opportunities for economic dynamism, innovation, and global competitiveness, particularly through its youthful demographic.
The debate on whether Nigeria’s population growth is a blessing or a curse underscores the critical need for strategic interventions to harness its demographic dividend effectively.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the country’s first effort to coordinate scientific research was in 1970, when the Nigerian Council for Science and Technology (NCST) was established. It was charged with the responsibility of ordering national priorities in scientific research and coordinating and supervising both basic and applied research activities in the country.
However, during the six years the NCST existed, various complaints were made concerning its relevance to Nigeria’s economic development.
Consequently, in 1973, virtually all the research departments in the various ministries were made autonomous research institutes. Nigeria has over 66 research institutions, most of which are established and funded by the federal government.
Some of these institutions are the primary research institutions, focusing on various sectors, such as agriculture, medicine, and social sciences.
Examples include the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), the Nigerian Institute of Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), the Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR), and the Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER).
These institutions, including numerous university-based research centres and specialised research units within government agencies, aim to improve knowledge, discover better methods, and adapt research findings to local situations.
According to Grandville Medical And Laser, Nigeria faces a multitude of health challenges, including infectious and non-communicable diseases and issues related to healthcare access and infrastructure.
Key concerns include malaria, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, diarrheal diseases, respiratory infections, maternal and child mortality. Additionally, non-communicable diseases like heart disease, cancer and diabetes are becoming increasingly prevalent.
Though the country is producing HIV test kits with plans to progress to anti-retroviral drugs, unfortunately, the researchers have not done enough in pursuit of solutions to the myriad of health challenges buffeting the nation.
They have not applied their knowledge to finding home grown solutions to many health challenges that are peculiar to the black race.
Many of them complain of paucity of funds, yet they have failed to provide commensurate outcomes from the little they have been given.
Herbal medicines or medicines made from natural products are a multibillion-dollar business worldwide, estimated at over $100 billion. This should attract the attention of Nigerian researchers.
We also recognise that some of the challenges stem from a lack of synergy between research institutions and industry.
On the other hand, Nigerian universities seem to be satisfied with the degree and certification from their research, even though there’s a lot more to gain apart from publication.
In our opinion, researchers can foster economic growth, enhance quality of life, and reduce dependence on foreign technologies by sitting up and dedicating their expertise to developing homegrown innovations.
This proactive approach will address immediate needs and build a resilient, self-sufficient Nigeria equipped to face future challenges.
Nigerian researchers must embrace their potential as catalysts for national development, ensuring a brighter future for all citizens.
(Leadership News)
