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Dons want budgetary provision to fund research

By Iyabo Lawal
30 June 2016   |   1:14 am
They, however, expressed regrets that successive governments have failed to take research serious and stressed the need to jettison such trend if we must make progress as a country.
University of Ibadan

University of Ibadan

Former vice chancellor of University of Ibadan (UI), Prof. Olufemi Bamiro, and eminent scholar, Prof. Layi Fagbenle, have tasked the Federal Government to make specific budgetary provisions to adequately fund research works in varsities.

They, however, expressed regrets that successive governments have failed to take research serious and stressed the need to jettison such trend if we must make progress as a country.

The duo spoke at a book launch to commemorate the 81st birthday, Prof Babajide Lucas. The book is entitled: “Renewable Natural Resources Engineering: Essays in honour of Prof. Babajide Lucas.”

‎Bamiro said it was imperative for the Federal Government and multinational agencies to support researches that have capacity to ameliorate the epileptic power supply in the country.

“This is a country that has depended so much on oil. But surely we can see the way the world is going, where everybody is looking towards renewable energy. We have to look towards the direction of solar energy supply. In Nigeria, we need to be serious with our energy drive because the world is moving away from oil and gas to renewable and the non-renewable sources of energy.

“We should develop our gas system in such a way that it will be able to supply us enough energy. We must not also neglect our renewable energy sources. So we should challenge our intellectuals and universities not to only embark on researches, but such that will translate into development and innovation. All this can be achieved through intense research, which needs funding.”

Fagbenle on his part expressed expressed regrets that the nation has not taken the issue of research seriously.

The university teacher lamented that while other agencies and departments in developed countries are spending heavily on research Nigeria is yet to wake up from slumber.

He questioned, “If you look at the budget, how much is there for researches in universities? How much in the budget annually is allocated for research and development? How much is profitably invested and disbursed into researches ‎in universities?

“When a nation is focused on research, results would be great as many problems would be solved. I know what my students go through before they could finish their research work due to funding. Many students use their own money to fund researches, whereas government needs to create a research and development fund that each university can tap from for their postgraduate studies. Results from these researches will make the country progress in all sectors, “ Fagbenle said

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