The Federal Government has called on Nigerian universities to use research and innovation to address poverty, food insecurity and climate change.
Minister of State for Humanitarian and Poverty Reduction, Dr Tanko Sununu, delivered the charge at the third annual scientific conference and alumni meeting of the College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.
Sununu said research should not be seen as “a luxury but a necessity”, stressing that universities must strengthen links with industry to ensure academic findings translate into practical solutions. He pointed to past gains from research investment, citing how improved funding once grew the National Institute of Medical Research’s annual income from $200,000 to $6 million.
He added that the 2025 federal budget had made provisions for priority funding in research and innovation, urging UDUS and other institutions to take advantage of this opportunity.
The university’s Provost of Health Sciences, Professor Abdulgafar Jimoh, stated that the conference theme, “Innovations in Health Research and Practice for Sustainable Development in Nigeria,” reflected its mission to lead in health research.
He disclosed that over 100 abstracts were received from academics and health professionals, describing it as evidence of a vibrant research culture within the university.
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