President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of a National Research Fund that will serve as a mainstay for development in Nigeria.
The Nigerian leader made this known on Thursday when he was named Grand Patron of Science at the investiture ceremony organized by the Nigerian Academy of Science at the hallowed Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja.
Addressing the members of the Academy after the investiture, President Tinubu pledged his commitment and full support to the funding of research and development in Nigeria.
He acknowledged that “without great research and development, no nation can develop to achieve its desired goal.
“Paying attention to research, science, and development is a commitment that I will continue to support directly and through various government policies and programs, through our ministries of science and technology, health, education, and related ministries.
“And in the role of the National Academy of Science and funding for research, science, and development, I am fully committed.”
President Tinubu further appreciated the gesture of the Academy of Science for decorating him as its grand patron.
“I have, out of a sense of gratitude, accepted your gesture of investiture as grand patron of science.”
In her remarks, the President of the Academy, Prof. Braide, said for national problems to be conclusively addressed, there was a need for healthy collaboration between the centres, government, industries, and community in a quadruple helix arrangement.
“This way, there will be effective research translation, that is, the movement of research output from the laboratories, workshops to inform policies and practice.
“We commend the administration of President Tinubu for truly recognizing the need for Nigeria to move towards a knowledge-based economy.
“We are reviewing the national planning document through the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, and we are advising on the necessary interventions required urgently for national development.
“We have been informed that the President has directed that steps be taken to set up a national research fund.
“Nigeria, like many African countries, is plagued by a number of major problems that negatively impact the socio-economic development of the country.
“Most of these problems can be addressed through the application of science, technology, and innovation,” he said.
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