Research experts have identified poor funding for research as a major obstacle in tackling emerging health, climate, and economic challenges in Nigeria. Dr. Sam Godongs, Director General of Research Planning and Documentation at Government House in Jos, stated this at the maiden edition of the annual Research Day of the University of Jos, held on Tuesday at the Faculty of Social Sciences’ permanent site.
Dr. Godongs, who chaired the occasion, spoke through the Director of Media Research at the Directorate, Mr. Stanley Bentu. He revealed that developed countries like Japan, America, and China invest 6 to 8 percent of their GDP in research. In contrast, Nigeria invests only 0.2 percent of its earnings in research, contributing to the numerous challenges in addressing emerging economic, health, and other issues.
Mr. Bentu said the Plateau State Government is pleased with the University’s developmental strides in research.
The guest speaker, Dr. Salihu Girei Bakari, Director of Research and Centre of Excellence at TETFUND, delivered a virtual lecture identifying inadequate infrastructure and poor funding as major setbacks in research.”Funding is key,” Dr. Bakari emphasized. “In appreciating the role of critical research infrastructure in facilitating scientific and innovative research…”Dr. Bakari called for adequate funding of Nigerian universities and research institutes for sustainable national development and commended the University of Jos for recognizing researchers.
The expert researcher spoke on the topic “Funding Research and Innovations in Nigerian Universities: Prospects and Challenges.” According to the researchers, adequate funding could enable the discovery of new techniques for tackling emerging challenges.
Earlier, Vice Chancellor Professor Tanko Ishaya, represented by Professor Aboi Madaki, Provost of the College of Health Sciences, said the event aimed to honor researchers who have excelled and developed new innovations. The Vice Chancellor noted that the University of Jos prioritizes research, highlighting the need to strengthen the zeal of those who have embarked on new discoveries
.The event featured exhibitions of products and food crops discovered through scientific research.
