…urges massive investment in Science for Nigeria’s devt

By Joseph Erunke, Abuja

The Nigerian Academy of Science, NAS, has called on the federal and state governments to significantly increase investment in scientific research, innovation and development, describing it as a critical pathway to national growth and sustainable development.

The academy, in a statement jointly signed by its president, Prof. Abubakar Sambo, and Public Affairs Secretary,Prof. Chinedum Babalola, made the call against the backdrop of persistent underfunding of research and development in the country, governance challenges within educational and research institutions, and the growing need for science-driven solutions to pressing national problems such as climate change, energy transition, public health, food security and industrial competitiveness.

According to NAS, countries that have achieved sustained economic growth and technological advancement did so through deliberate and long-term investments in science, supported by strong research systems and well-established institutions.

The academy stressed that investment in science should go beyond merely funding research projects. It should also focus on strengthening human resource capacity, developing modern research infrastructure, and building institutional frameworks that support effective research and innovation.

NAS further noted that regardless of financial investments in universities and research institutes, good governance remains essential for ensuring transparency, accountability and operational efficiency within knowledge institutions.

To this end, the academy urged that the appointment of chairmen and external members of governing councils of universities and research institutions should be strictly based on merit.

It recommended that such positions be reserved for individuals with relevant academic qualifications and proven experience in tertiary education governance to guarantee effective oversight and institutional credibility.

The academy also expressed concern over the appointment of non-technocrats and individuals without relevant expertise as chief executives of research institutes and science-based agencies.

It called for a review of such appointments, urging the government to ensure that leadership of research institutions is entrusted to professionals with strong technical competence, credible research backgrounds and the capacity to advance Nigeria’s scientific and innovation agenda.

NAS equally raised concerns about what it described as increasing irregularities in the appointment of vice-chancellors in Nigerian universities.

The academy emphasized the need for strict adherence to due process and established procedures in leadership appointments to reduce controversies and ensure that decisions are merit-based, credible and sustainable.

According to the academy, strengthening governance systems and following established procedures will help build research institutions that are innovative, globally competitive and capable of driving national development.

NAS therefore urged both federal and state governments to adopt its 2026 agenda, which focuses on increasing and properly managing investments in research in order to foster a national culture of excellence, accountability and innovation in science and technology.

The Nigerian Academy of Science, the country’s foremost independent scientific body, plays a key role in bringing scientific knowledge to bear on national policy and strategic decision-making.

The academy is dedicated to advancing science, technology and innovation while promoting the generation, dissemination and application of scientific knowledge to address issues of national importance.