Wevole Ezin.
The federal government has been urged to prioritize investment in research and local contents development to drive national development.
Speaking on Wednesday during UNICAL @50 Colloquium, part of the activities lined up to mark the institution’s celebration, the academia, Vice Chancellor of Covenant University, Prof. Abiodun Adebayo also urged the government to channel more resources into university-based research, innovation, and indigenous industries to drive national development.
Adebayo who was the Lead Presenter at the event held at the University of Calabar International Conference Centre with the theme; “University of Calabar and It’s Contributions to National Development” emphasized that no nation can progress without believing in and investing in its own intellectual and industrial capacity.
He noted that many Nigerian researchers are winning international grants and making global impacts, yet they struggle to receive adequate support from their own government.
He wondered why Nigeria President should seek medical treatment abroad when they can develop world-class healthcare facilities here and invest more in the great brains.
“The president does not need to go to France or anywhere outside the country. Let’s fix our industries and health sector and this can only be done if government begin in our local content. I will like to call on our president Bola Ahmed Tinubu and to really channel resources, there are great minds in this country but because we are not engaging them productively.
“A lot of us are wining international grants and we are working for them and at the expense of our own government here. Government has not believed totally in what we are able to produce, government need to believe and invest money in our research and let’s believe in our local content.
“We cannot go global until we begin to believe in our local content and that’s the only time we can move forward as a nation. You see what China and India is doing, they believe more in what they produce rather than.” he stated.
The professor also pointed to countries like China and India, which have become global leaders by prioritizing local production and research. He urged the Nigerian government to take a similar approach by funding university research centers and industries, particularly in areas like healthcare, technology, and agriculture.
In her speech earlier before the panel of discussion which was moderated by the Cross River State NUJ, Chairman, Archibong Bassey, the UNICAL VC, Prof. Florence Obi while reflecting on the institute’s journey from its humble beginning to becoming a leading university of higher learning in Nigeria, she said the institute is committed to academic excellence, infrastructural growth and national development.
“Today’s colloquium is a testament to our institution’s dedication to fostering intellectual discourse, collaboration and knowledge sharing. As we celebrate our past achievements, we must also look ahead with optimism, ensuring that our research and innovations contribute meaningfully to national progress.”
She further highlighted the critical role that universities play in shaping a nation’s future, urging the federal government and private sectors to invest more in research and local content development.
Obi said this would further strengthen Nigeria Education system and also drive economic growth, reduce dependency on foreign solutions and provide opportunities for the country’s brightest minds.
The UNICAL Boss, expressed her appreciation to the faculty students, alumni and distinguished guest for their contributions to the university’s success.