The Director-General, of Sheda Science and Technology Complex (SHESTCO), Prof. Paul Onyenekwe has called for more research funding to boost scientific development in the country.
Onyenekwe made the call on Monday in an interview in Abuja.
He said research funding would improve the quality and productivity of research by providing resources, equipment, and facilities that support objectives.
“It will also enhance the collaboration between researchers and institutions, and access networks and platforms that facilitate knowledge exchange and dissemination.
“By securing research funding, you can demonstrate your excellence and credibility in your field, and increase your outputs and impact,” Onyenekwe said.
According to him, securing research funding for an academic institution yields numerous advantages, including the ability to conduct cutting-edge research, attract top talent and expand research infrastructure.
“Research funds support students, enhance the institution’s reputation, promote innovation, build collaborations, contribute to societal solutions, publish research findings, drive economic growth and address global challenges.
“Research funding also ensures long-term sustainability and ultimately benefits the institution and society as a whole,” the director-general said.
According to him, the government has a role-play to ensure that the funds are available and accessible for research institutes.
The Sheda Science and Technology Complex (SHESTCO) was established by the Federal Government of Nigeria in 1993 as a multidisciplinary research and development centre.
As a parastatal of the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, SHESTCO is headed by a Director-General who also functions as the Chief Executive Officer. Presently, the complex is being headed by a Director-General and Chief Executive Officer in the person of Prof. Paul C. Onyenekwe, a technocrat par excellence and a scholarly authority in Biochemistry, and Food irradiation.
He is also a member of an Alexander Von Humbodit Fellow at the Max Rubner Institute, Bundesforschungs institut fur Lebensmittelund Bioverfahrenstechnik and Molecular biologisches Zentrum, 76131karisruhe.
NAN
