Academy Calls for National Research Foundation to Support Research

The Nigerian Academy of Sciences (NAS) has called for the establishment of a National Research Foundation to complement the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) in financing academic research across the country.

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

“The foundation will have funds dedicated to research rather than infrastructure; it will enable scientists to develop innovative solutions to Nigeria’s challenges,” he stated.

Odubanjo expressed concern over the lack of a structured research and development (R&D) funding mechanism in Nigeria. He emphasised that addressing this issue would drive scientific innovation, economic development, and technological advancement.

Also Read: Academy Calls for Greater Government Investment in Research, Development

He noted that NAS remained committed to improving R&D through advocacy for increased funding and expert policy advice.

“There should be no scientific policy without expert advice, and we are trying to instil that mindset,” he said.

“We have worked hard over the years to provide scientific advice. We want the government to recognise that when making policies and laws, expert guidance is essential.”

Odubanjo reaffirmed NAS’s dedication to engaging with the government as a strategic resource for scientific expertise and policy development.

He stressed the importance of ensuring that government policies are based on scientific evidence rather than personal opinions or political interests.

Additionally, he highlighted NAS’s efforts to strengthen ties with the Ministry of Budget and National Planning to secure better funding for Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI).

“The ministry can play a strategic role in ensuring that STI funding is embedded across all sectors, thereby positioning Nigeria as a knowledge-driven economy,” he concluded.