Jos: The University of Jos has organised its maiden annual research day to honour outstanding researchers within the institution. Speaking at the event in Jos, Prof. Tanko Ishaya, the Vice Chancellor of the university, said that the event was organised by the Research and Development (R and D) Office of the institution. The vice chancellor was represented at the event by Prof. Aboi Madaki, the Provost, College of Health Sciences of the institution. Ishaya, who noted that quality research is at the core of the institution, promised to support and fund result-driven research in various fields. He said that the institution would also use the event to honour some of its members of staff for promoting quality research.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mr. Samuel Godongs, the Director General of Research, Planning, and Documentation at Plateau Government House, urged the government to adequately fund research in the country. He highlighted that advanced countries spend between six to eight per cent of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on research and development, while developing countries are recommended to spend one to two per cent. However, Nigeria spends only 0.2 per cent, which is significantly lower than countries like South Africa, which has been increasing its research and development investments steadily. Godongs emphasized the need to evaluate the types of research being conducted, noting that much of it currently falls under basic research with limited practical application.
Dr. Salihu Bakari, the Director of Research and Centre of Excellence at Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), addressed the importance of research innovation as a key instrument for human transformation. He stated that research in universities, which requires substantial financial backing, should be oriented towards addressing societal challenges. Bakari stressed that the fundamental role of research and innovation in human transformation and structural development necessitates significant financial and intellectual investment. He advocated for research to be innovative and problem-solving, urging for collaboration between academia, industry, and government to fulfill the fundamental objectives of research and innovation. He concluded that a nation’s development is intrinsically linked to the quality of its education and its research and innovation capabilities.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the event also recognized several distinguished individuals, including Prof. Hwayward Mufuwai, the former vice chancellor of the university, Prof. Patricia Lar, the Acting Vice Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja. Other awardees included Prof. Chris Piwuna, the National President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Prof. Dung Sha, the former Director of Research at the National Institute for Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, among others.