EWAN Summit: Ogundipe Urges FG to Prioritise Research, Innovation for Internal Security 

Funmi Ogundare 

A former Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe on Tuesday called on the federal government to prioritise research and innovation to ensure a strong internal security framework in the country.

Ogundipe, currently the Chairman, Lagos State Research and Innovation Council, stated this in Lagos, at the 2023 annual summit of the Education Writers’ Association of Nigeria (EWAN), with the theme ‘Research for National Development: Nigeria’s Internal Security in Focus’.

According to him, protecting the security and welfare of the people, entails utilising state-of-the-art technologies, implementing evidence-based tactics, and constantly adjusting to new threats. 

“A significant portion of the nation’s internal crisis can be resolved if the government makes use of the wealth of research expertise that exists in the nation. The federal and state governments should look at the capabilities and potential found in the ecosystem of research and innovation in order to address the diverse crises that exist throughout the nation,” he stated.

Ogundipe highlighted the roles of research and innovation, saying that they are important in improving Nigeria’s internal security, through creating strategies, technologies, and policies that are effective in addressing changing security issues.

He stated that innovation and research can contribute to Nigeria’s internal security through analysis and intelligence gathering, technology adoption and surveillance, cyber security measures, community policing and public engagement, conflict resolution and peace building, among others.

Earlier, the Chairman of EWAN, Mr. Mojeed Alabi stated that the summit is an avenue for researchers, policy makers and academia to brainstorm on the way forward with a focus on national development and internal security.

While seeking a lasting role in governance for educational institutions, researchers and journalists to achieve relatable solutions, he expressed the association’s readiness to continue to contribute to the development of the country.

In her remarks, the current UNILAG Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola said that the institution would work with the media to ensure that the right intelligence for security is provided, adding, “you cannot have security without the right manpower.”

Former Vice-Chancellor, Lagos State University (LASU), Prof. Olanrewaju Fagbohun, stressed the need for a co-creation between the academia and industry, noting that EWAN has a critical role to play in bringing all stakeholders to work together and define the agenda towards making a difference in the country.

The 2023 EWAN annual summit featured three panel discussions with focus on ‘Financial Security and the Future of Banking in Nigeria’; ‘Food Security, Health Safety and Environmental Sustainability’; ‘Internal Security and National Development’, with discussants drawn from the academia, banking, security, labour, media sectors.