By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

The Vice-Chancellor of Caleb University, Imota, Professor Olalekan Asikhia, has called on the Federal and State governments to prioritise funding for research in Nigerian universities, warning that the country risks missing out on solutions to its pressing challenges if research continues to be neglected.

Asikhia also urged the government to establish a clear national research policy to be implemented through the National Universities Commission, NUC, and integrated into university curricula.

“For Nigeria to truly benefit from research and innovation, funding must be taken seriously. We must move beyond mission statements and show real commitment by investing significantly in research,” he said.

The Vice-Chancellor spoke while briefing journalists ahead of the institution’s 15th Convocation Ceremony, during which 2,000 students; including 1,625 undergraduates and 375 postgraduates will be awarded degrees.

Asikhia disclosed that the three-day programme will begin on Monday, February 16, with a prayer forum and doctoral hooding ceremony, while the main convocation holds on Wednesday.
He said, “there must be a coherent national research policy, coordinated by the NUC, with proper monitoring mechanisms to ensure compliance and measurable impact”.

He advocated a competitive research framework where grants and prizes are awarded to institutions that develop practical solutions to national problems.

“Universities should be ranked based on the solutions they provide to national development. Competition will drive innovation and focus research on real societal needs,” he said.

The Vice-Chancellor said Caleb University is adopting an industry-driven research model that involves private sector players from the outset.

“Industry brings real-life problems, and our researchers develop solutions. This bridges the long-standing gap between academia and industry and makes research outcomes more impactful,” he explained.

Asikhia also appealed to the Federal Government to extend the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, NELFUND, to students in private universities, dismissing the belief that only children from wealthy families attend such institutions.

“It is not true that students in private universities are all from privileged backgrounds. Many parents choose private universities because of stability, not wealth,” he said.

He revealed that many students in private universities face financial hardship due to unforeseen circumstances.

“Some lose their parents while already in school. We do not send them away; we support them. Private universities also carry a heavy burden in supporting indigent students,” he said.

According to him, a transparent assessment will show that private universities deserve inclusion in government student-support schemes.