A former Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, has called for increased funding to enhance the research capacity of the Nigeria Institute of Medical Research (NIMR).
Fashola made the appeal on Tuesday during the institute’s monthly media chat, organized to update the public on its research activities and findings.
Serving as Chairman of the NIMR Foundation, Fashola noted that the institute has yet to receive sufficient attention to match other leading health research institutions globally.
He emphasized that Nigeria could become a major contributor to future medical breakthroughs if NIMR receives adequate support.
“Scientific discoveries through research have consistently improved the quality of human life. Eyeglasses exist because researchers devoted time and resources to advancing human welfare. Discoveries like penicillin, introduced in 1948, significantly raised global life expectancy. NIMR is the country’s apex medical research institute and must be adequately funded to fulfill its mandate and meet Nigeria’s health needs,” he said.
Fashola also urged the government to establish a reporting system and safeguard whereby unused funds in the institute’s accounts are not swept away under annual policies, but preserved to ensure continuous research.
“The government must provide a framework where unused funds are not mopped up but monitored to prevent disruption of research,” he said.
He encouraged the media to educate Nigerians on the importance of funding medical research, adding that government alone should not bear the responsibility. Both private and public entities, he stressed, should contribute to supporting NIMR through funding and advocacy.
Earlier, Prof. Oladapo Obafunwa, Director-General of NIMR, explained that the media chat was initiated to promote accountability, collaboration, and public understanding of ongoing research.
According to Obafunwa, the forum provides an opportunity to explain scientific work in clear language while strengthening engagement with journalists. He reiterated that NIMR would continue to collaborate with the media to inform and engage the public.
