The Nigerian Academy of Science (NAS) has urged the Federal Government to increase investment in Research and Development (R&D) across the country.
Dr Oladoyin Odubanjo, Executive Secretary of NAS, made this appeal during an interview in Abuja on Monday, March 17, 2025.
He stressed that while Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) have been incorporated into various sectors of the Nigerian economy, the level of funding remains grossly inadequate.
According to Odubanjo, many research institutions barely survive as their overheads consume their budgets, leaving little or no room for actual research work.
He stated that the lack of incentives and inadequate funding structures are limiting the potential of Nigerian scientists and researchers.
He also pointed out that the nation’s security challenges have worsened the situation, as a considerable portion of the national budget is now being diverted to counterterrorism and anti-banditry efforts, rather than supporting key developmental sectors, such as research and development (R&D).
“If we had peace, part of the defence budget could go into sectors like education, agriculture, health, and research.
But the current state of insecurity has shifted focus away from development,” Odubanjo said.
He said that meaningful progress in STI would only be possible with strong political will and improved national security.
Leave feedback about this