By correspondent in Lokoja.
Prof. Oyewale Tomori, a distinguished virologist, has called on the Federal Government to make substantial investments in science and technology to address societal issues, enhance quality of life, and reduce poverty in Nigeria.
Tomori made the appeal during the 8th Distinguished Public Lecture at the Federal University Lokoja (FUL) speaking on the theme, “The Conflicting Confluence of Science and Society.”
He emphasized that science can resolve societal challenges, improve living standards, and unravel the mysteries of the universe.
Investment in science and technology, he argued, is essential for knowledge production, innovation, and global competitiveness, as well as for the effective functioning of democracies.
Tomori criticized the federal government for merely paying lip service to science and technology issues, urging it to allocate sufficient resources for technological advancements that could alleviate poverty.
The professor also called on Nigeria’s tertiary institutions to transform their research into actionable documents that the government can use as a roadmap for national development.
He noted that the effectiveness of research is often hindered by inadequate mentorship, lack of focus on national problems, and insufficient merit-based assessment of research proposals.
The academic noted that issues such as poor management, misuse of research funds, apathy, and lack of accountability in grant are factors affecting the efficient use of research funds.
Tomori lamented that Nigeria’s underdevelopment partly results from its scientists’ failure to provide durable solutions to national issues.
He expressed concern that, 64 years after gaining political independence, Nigeria remains economically stagnant and frequently relies on borrowing from Western countries to fund its annual budgets.
He pointed out that Nigeria’s underdevelopment is due to either the failure of scientists to address national problems effectively or their inability to convince policymakers that science, research, innovation, and development are interconnected and vital for progress.
Tomori, a former Vice Chancellor of Redeemers’ University, reiterated that science and technology are crucial for overcoming underdevelopment.
He contrasted Nigeria with advanced nations that have invested heavily in science and technology, which have led to development, prosperity, and food security, while countries neglecting science face poverty and disease.
“Nigeria’s approach to science and technology has been misguided,” Tomori said. “Instead of developing its own technologies, Nigeria imports finished products and labels it as technology transfer. We import vehicle parts and simply assemble them locally.”
Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi, Vice Chancellor of the Federal University Lokoja, emphasized that the lecture series aims to cultivate intellectual curiosity and robust academic discourse.
“By inviting eminent scholars and thought leaders, we aim to bridge the gap between academia and society, engage with new ideas, and inspire progress within our community,” Akinwumi said.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
