Academy Calls for Greater Government Investment in Research, Development

The Nigerian Academy of Science (NAS) has called on the Nigerian Government to increase investment in Research and Development (R&D).

Dr Oladoyin Odubanjo, Executive Secretary of NAS, made this appeal in an interview in Abuja on Monday.

He noted that although Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) had been integrated into all sectors of the economy, funding for the sector remained insufficient.

“We allocate a relatively small amount to research and development, and there is little incentive to conduct meaningful research.

“Many of our research institutes operate with budgets heavily skewed towards overhead costs, leaving virtually no funds for actual research,” he said.

Odubanjo further stated that insecurity in the country had exacerbated the already poor funding situation, as more resources were being directed towards combating terrorism and banditry at the expense of R&D.

Also Read: NOTAP Urges Researchers to Develop Market-Driven Innovations

“If we had a peaceful environment, a significant portion of our defence budget could be redirected to critical areas of national development.

“We are struggling with inadequate funding for R&D, yet a large share of our resources is being allocated to security,” he said.

According to him, development often takes a back seat when security challenges arise.

“If we had peace and stability, a substantial portion of our resources could be invested in education, health, agriculture, and R&D,” Odubanjo said.

He emphasised that Nigeria’s progress in STI depended on two key factors: political will and security.

The Executive Secretary also expressed concern over the mass exodus of skilled professionals, including scientists, researchers, and medical experts, to other countries.

He warned that the continued loss of human capital would have long-term consequences for national development.

“A large number of Nigerian experts, particularly in the medical and other sectors, are leaving the country.

“We are losing our greatest asset—skilled manpower. If insecurity persists, more professionals will leave, depriving us of the personnel needed to drive scientific and technological progress,” he said.