The President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, Chris Piwuna, has actually raised concerns over the possible mismanagement of research study funds in Nigeria, cautioning that without robust institutional structures, increased funding might not attain its designated effect.
Piwuna made the remarks on Sunday while speaking at the Toyin Falola Interview Series, themed “Research study, Development and Advancement,” where he promoted for the facility of a legally empowered national research study council to coordinate and manage the country’s research study organizations.
He noted that Nigeria presently runs more than 60 research institutions, a lot of which, he said, are not carrying out efficiently due to poor coordination and the absence of a clear tactical instructions.
According to him, the absence of appropriate oversight systems produces room for possible misuse of research funds, particularly if substantial funds are injected into the system without adequate controls.
“We require a research study council backed by law to harmonise and streamline the activities of these institutions,” he said, questioning how large-scale financing would be handled under the present structure.
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Piwuna even more revealed issue about the possible diversion of research study funds, stressing the requirement for openness and accountability in handling such resources.
While acknowledging the recent agreement in between the Federal Government and ASUU, he preserved that increased funding alone would not fix the deep-rooted challenges facing the research study sector.
He referenced the government’s dedication to assigning one percent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product to research study, a relocation he stated might equate into approximately 4 trillion naira each year, substantially increasing the country’s research capability.
In spite of this, he stressed that financing should be matched by reliable governance structures to ensure proper utilisation.
The ASUU president also called for stronger collaboration between universities and the economic sector, suggesting that industry gamers might play a more active function in sponsoring research that straight addresses real-world difficulties.
He mentioned the possibility of personal business moneying advanced scholastic research study, consisting of doctoral programs, with results tailored to enhancing industrial procedures and performance.
Piwuna stressed that meaningful cooperation among federal government, academia and market is vital for constructing a sustainable and impactful research ecosystem in Nigeria.
He even more highlighted the detach in between public law and scholastic research, describing it as a significant barrier to nationwide development.
According to him, aligning research outputs with federal government concerns is important to ensuring that scholastic work contributes successfully to financial growth and social development.
The session, chaired by prominent historian Toyin Falola, featured contributions from several academics, consisting of Ilesanmi Adesida, Akintunde Ibitayo Akinwande, Chimay Anumba and Lola Eniola-Adefeso.
Panellists at the event stressed the importance of tactical investment, institutional support and interdisciplinary cooperation in strengthening research study, innovation and development across Africa.