Neglect of research hindering Nigeria’s development, says TEFfund boss

Sonny Echono, executive secretary of TETfund, says the neglect of research in Nigeria is affecting the nation’s development goals.

According to a statement on Saturday, Echono said this while delivering a keynote address at the 18th convocation ceremony of Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT).

He said the major role of tertiary institutions is to instil skills, aptitude, attitude, knowledge, morals, values, and creative ability, promotion of research and also contribute to the development of host communities.

The TETfund boss said Nigeria’s tertiary institutions cannot effectively conduct research that will provide explanations for some human issues.

He also said there is a need to promote learning and research culture in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions, adding that it will help solve human problems and improve sustainable development.

He added that the challenges facing Nigeria’s institutions can be addressed through effective teaching and learning, adopting the Triple Helix Model, capacity building and adequate research funding.

“For Nigeria to achieve the desired progress as a knowledge-based economy, there must be a deliberate effort at bringing research and development to the centre stage through relevant policy implementation,” the statement reads.

“At the heart of the neglect and negligible impact of research in Nigeria’s national development efforts is the lack of clear-cut philosophy and goal for sustainable development of the Nigerian state.

“The conduct of research in the nation’s higher institutions has not been accorded the seriousness and attention it deserves.”