A USA based Don, Prof. Mary Murimi has called on the Federal Government to focus more on building and developing research institutes rather than new universities in the country.
Prof. Murimi, a Professor of Nutritional Sciences, Texas Tech University United States of America made the call at the 6th Founders’ Day lecture of the Edo State University Uzairue.
Prof. Murimi while delivering a lecture titled: Conducting Novel Researches in the New World Order, the African Perspective, said If Nigerian economy is to experience the expected boost that will improve the well-being of its citizens, there is an urgent need to place more emphasis on research.
The guest lecturer who described research as the bedrock of development, also called for more synergy between the private sector and academia, to ensure that researches being conducted in the universities are translated to both industrial and agricultural revolution for the improvement of the nation’s economy.
She said lack of funding of scientific research in Nigeria is having a ripple effect on the country’s economic development.
According to her, the growing number of universities is not what is needed now to tackle the reality of underdevelopment that is currently plaguing the nation, adding that research is critical enabler of economic growth and development with its relevance cutting across the policy process.
“It has become imperative for us as a nation to set our gaze on the future while we confront the myriads of problems bedeviling us currently.
“If Nigeria must take her place in the global scheme of things as a world player, all hands must be on deck to encourage research that would proffer first-hand solutions to world problems like epidemic and diseases, space technology, agriculture and information technology.
“This can only be achieved with a complete presence of a clear-cut philosophy of national development, a philosophy which should spell out the direction in which Nigeria wants to channel its development efforts,” she said.
The don said the 21st century is the age of knowledge where everyone should embrace internet facility to enhance knowledge through proper research.
She stressed the need for universities and industries to work together to produce meaningful research towards national development.
She commended the Edo State University in the area of research development and urged other universities to take a queue from the institution to develop their research based study.
“Edo State University Uzairue with the state of the art facilities is in the forefront of leading Africa universities in modern research.
“The world is in the era of modern educational curriculum with new methodology and practical’s which should be properly spelt out for students learning,” she said.
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Engr. Prof. Emmanuel Aluyor said the university had lived up to the founding fathers expectations of being a modern university to curb educational tourism.
“The university have continued to blaze the trail in the use of technology in education.
“This evidence in her deployment of the CANVAS learning management System, Open Education Resources, enhanced technological teaching through skills lab, power lab and the use of antomage among others.
“All this facilities have been put in place to aid learning, research and innovation, ” he said.
