Experts Harp on Investment in Research, Development

Oluchi Chibuzor

Experts that spoke at the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO), Alumni Association biennial lecture have stressed the need for companies in Nigeria to improve their investment and involvement in research and development (R&D) so as to drive industrial growth.

They also urged the federal government to focus on reintegrating brilliant Nigerians from diverse sectors into the universities’ research and development (R&D) ecosystem.

This, according to them, was because investment in science, technology and innovation (STI) was essential for economic development, social progress and plays vital roles in wealth creation and transformation in any society.

Speaking at the event, held in Lagos, yesterday, the Vice-Chancellor, FUTO, Prof. Nnenna Oti, said  the theme of the event was  apt to address Nigeria’s economic and technological issues for the survival and progress of the country.

She said STI was essential for economic development, social progress and plays vital roles in wealth creation and transformation in any society.

According to her, “I have no doubt that these topics were carefully chosen as part of the efforts by every concerned citizen of Nigeria to contribute towards rescuing Nigeria from the present economic and technological quagmire we found ourselves in. “Consequently, I pray the outcome of this biennial lecture will be utilised by the appropriate authorities to launch Nigeria into the technologically and economically developed committee of nations.”

In his keynote address, the Chairman, MTN Nigeria, Ernest Ndukwe, explained that it would be a big mistake not to select lecturers and researchers from people with the best talents to teach science and technology.

“Nigeria needs to embrace competence rather than quota system no matter where you come from. If you want to do science and technology you choose the best brain and mind and they will come out with the best result you need,” he said.

Delivering a lecture titled, ‘Harnessing Technological Innovations for Sustainable Development In Nigeria’, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC) Research, Development and Innovation, FUTO, Professor Emeka Oguzie, acknowledged that the current university ecosystem design cannot give the nation the its desires in harnessing the benefit of science and technology.

According to him, there was a need to mobilise experts on technology and innovation for sustainable development that would facilitate interaction and networking between government officials, innovators, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders.

He also said there was a need for R&D manpower reforms that focus on reintegrating brilliant Nigerians from diverse sectors into the university R&D ecosystem, adding that present government policy does not allow them to bring technocrats on part-time bases now.