Professor Dauphine Dighitoghi Moro has called on Nigerian universities to prioritise research, development, and innovation if the nation hopes to solve its social and economic challenges.
Speaking during the 113th Inaugural Lecture of Lagos State University (LASU), the microbiologist lamented that universities had lost their research drive due to poor funding and weak institutional support.
In his lecture titled “Paradoxical Voyage into the Invisible World: Microorganisms as Indispensable Friends and Unavoidable Enemies,” Prof Moro described research as “the lifeblood of any serious university system.” He urged both the government and university administrators to provide grants, stable electricity, modern laboratories, and free internet access to enhance productivity and encourage discoveries with real market value.
He also appealed for a new salary structure for academic staff, fair recruitment processes, and the establishment of molecular diagnostic laboratories that could help fight infectious diseases while generating income.
Warning against the dangers of neglecting research, Prof Moro said Nigeria must invest in vaccine production and disease surveillance rather than depend on imported solutions. He concluded that microorganisms, though dangerous, are humanity’s invisible allies — “a two-edged sword whose power can heal or harm, depending on how wisely man engages with science.
Leave feedback about this