By correspondent in Ota.
Prof. Abiodun Adebayo, Vice-Chancellor of Covenant University, Ota,Ogun state has called on the Federal Government to increase investments in translational research and innovation to tackle critical challenges threatening human existence.
Adebayo made this appeal at the opening ceremony of the university’s First International Conference and Research Showcase on Science, Technology, and Innovation held on Tuesday in Ota.
Our correspondent reports that the two-day conference, themed “Science, Technology and Innovation for Translational Research and Sustainable Development,” was organised by Covenant University’s College of Science and Technology.
Taking a critical look at global issues such as climate change, environmental degradation, water scarcity, hunger, diseases, and poverty, Adebayo stressed the importance of aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to address these pressing concerns.
“The Federal Government and African nations must prioritise research, infrastructure development, and capacity building to achieve sustainable development. It.is time to refocus and seek homegrown solutions to our critical challenges,” he said.
The Vice Chancellor urged government to support researchers and the creation of an enabling environment for impactful research.
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Martins Emeje, Director-General,Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency, described translational research as the process of transforming laboratory and community observations into real-life interventions that improve lives.
Emeje emphasised the importance of information sharing between researchers and institutions to enhance research quality.
“There is a need for strategic vision, policy formulation, system structures, and an ethical framework to guide translational research,” Emeje added.
Prof. Timothy Anake, Dean of Covenant University’s College of Science and Technology, underscored the role of translational research in driving sustainable development by transforming discoveries in health, agriculture, and energy into practical solutions.
Contributing ,Prof. Shalom Chinedu, Chairman of the conference’s Local Organising Committee, said the event focused on harnessing science, technology, and innovation to accelerate sustainable development.
He noted that the conference brought together academia, industry leaders, researchers, policymakers, and other stakeholders from both government and private sectors.
According to health experts, translational research is a branch of medical and scientific research that aims to bridge the gap between laboratory discoveries and real-world clinical applications. It focuses on turning basic scientific knowledge, such as findings from cellular or molecular biology, into practical tools, treatments, or interventions that can benefit patients and improve public health.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
