The President of the Academic Personnel Union of Universities, Chris Piwuna, has actually raised issues over the possible mismanagement of research study funds in Nigeria, alerting that without robust institutional structures, increased financing might not attain its desired effect.
Piwuna made the remarks on Sunday while speaking at the Toyin Falola Interview Series, themed “Research, Development and Development,” where he advocated for the facility of a lawfully empowered nationwide research study council to collaborate and manage the nation’s research organizations.
He kept in mind that Nigeria presently runs more than 60 research organizations, a lot of which, he said, are not carrying out optimally due to bad coordination and the lack of a clear strategic instructions.
According to him, the absence of proper oversight systems creates space for possible abuse of research study funds, especially if significant financial resources are injected into the system without sufficient controls.
“We require a research study council backed by law to harmonise and improve the activities of these institutions,” he stated, questioning how massive financing would be handled under the existing structure.
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Piwuna even more revealed concern about the prospective diversion of research study funds, worrying the requirement for transparency and responsibility in managing such resources.
While acknowledging the current agreement between the Federal Government and ASUU, he preserved that increased financing alone would not fix the deep-rooted challenges dealing with the research study sector.
He referenced the federal government’s commitment to designating one percent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product to research study, a relocation he stated might equate into roughly four trillion naira every year, substantially improving the country’s research capacity.
Regardless of this, he emphasised that funding must be complemented by effective governance structures to make sure appropriate utilisation.
The ASUU president also called for stronger partnership in between universities and the economic sector, recommending that industry gamers could play a more active role in sponsoring research study that straight addresses real-world obstacles.
He pointed out the possibility of private companies funding sophisticated scholastic research study, consisting of doctoral programs, with results tailored to enhancing commercial procedures and efficiency.
Piwuna worried that meaningful partnership amongst government, academic community and market is essential for constructing a sustainable and impactful research community in Nigeria.
He further highlighted the disconnect between public law and academic research, explaining it as a significant barrier to national development.
According to him, aligning research outputs with government concerns is vital to making sure that academic work contributes efficiently to economic growth and social development.
The session, chaired by prominent historian Toyin Falola, included contributions from numerous academics, consisting of Ilesanmi Adesida, Akintunde Ibitayo Akinwande, Chimay Anumba and Lola Eniola-Adefeso.
Panellists at the event stressed the significance of tactical investment, institutional support and interdisciplinary cooperation in reinforcing research study, development and development across Africa.