By Ijeoma Olorunfemi
The Nigerian Society of Physical Sciences (NSPS), has urged the Federal Government to introduce policies that would compel multinational companies in Nigeria to support research and development in Nigerian universities.
Prof. Johnson Abimbola, president of NSPS, said this on Wednesday during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
Abimbola said although increased government funding remained essential, sustainable scientific development would require stronger collaboration between the industry and the academia.
According to him, government should formulate policies that encourage or require multinational companies benefiting from Nigeria’s large market to partner with local universities in conducting research relevant to their operations.
“Nigeria is a huge market for many multinational companies; so, government can make policies that encourage these companies to collaborate with Nigerian universities by sponsoring research in areas related to their businesses.
“If a company partners with a university and the institution lacks the necessary laboratory or equipment to carry out the research, the company can support the development of those facilities.
“That way, universities will not only conduct research but also build the infrastructure needed for high-quality scientific innovation,” he said.
Abimbola noted that such partnerships were common in many developed countries, where industries played a significant role in funding university research that addressed real-world challenges.
He said stronger industry support would help shift research in Nigerian universities from largely academic exercises to innovation-driven studies capable of producing practical solutions for national development.
“It is not enough to continue asking universities to conduct research without creating mechanisms for sustainable funding.
“Researchers can carry out limited studies with available resources, but without adequate investment, such research may not achieve meaningful societal or industrial impact,” he said.
The NSPS president urged the government to complement direct research funding with policies that promote industry-funded research, describing the approach as a sustainable pathway to strengthening Nigeria’s research ecosystem.
He said enhanced collaboration among government, industry and universities would accelerate scientific innovation, improve laboratory infrastructure and increase the country’s competitiveness in science and technology.(NAN) (http://www.nannews.ng
Edited by Benson Ezugwu/Uche Anunne