The Nigerian Academy of Sciences (NAS) has advocated the establishment of a National Research Foundation to complement the efforts of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) in funding research among the nation’s academics.
The Executive Secretary, NAS, Dr Oladoyin Odubanjo made the call while speaking on Tuesday in Abuja.
“The foundation will have funds dedicated towards research rather than infrastructure; it will enable scientists to develop innovative solutions to Nigeria’s challenges,” he said.
The executive secretary regretted that the country lacked a structured research and development funding mechanism.
According to him, addressing the challenge will foster scientific innovation, economic development and technological advancement.
He said NAS was committed to improving Research and Development (R&D) through advocacy to improved funding and offering advice.
“There should be no scientific policy without expertise advice and we are trying to get that kind of mindset in place,” Odubanjo said.
“We have worked hard over the years to provide scientific advice. We want government to appreciate that when it is making policies and laws it will need expert advice.
He said the Academy would continue to engage government as a strategic resource for scientific expertise and policy advice.
Odubanjo said the body was focused on ensuring that government policies were informed by scientific evidence rather than personal beliefs or political interests.
He said the Academy was strengthening its relationship with the Ministry of Budget and National Planning for improved funding support for Science, Technology and Innovation (STI).
According to him, the ministry can play a strategic role in ensuring that STI funding was embedded across all sectors, thereby positioning the country as a knowledge-based economy.
NAN
