The Nigerian Academy of Science (NAS) has known as on federal and state governments to considerably enhance funding in scientific research, innovation and improvement, describing science and expertise as important drivers of nationwide development and sustainable improvement.
This got here because the academy additionally advocated merit-based appointments to governing councils of universities and research establishments, prioritising people with related educational {qualifications} and governance expertise.
It additionally urged a evaluate of irregularities in the appointment of vice-chancellors, stressing due course of and adherence to established procedures to make sure credible, secure and clear leadership in tertiary establishments.
The academy made the decision amid considerations about what it described as persistent underinvestment in research and improvement, governance challenges in instructional and research establishments, and rising demand for science-based options to nationwide issues akin to local weather change, vitality transition, public well being, meals safety and industrial competitiveness.
In a press release on Monday signed by its President, Abubakar Sambo, and Public Affairs Secretary, Chinedum Babalola, the academy stated international locations which have achieved sustained financial development and technological competitiveness have executed so by way of deliberate long-term funding in science and powerful research establishments.
“Investments in science must extend beyond funding projects to include human resources capacity building, investment in research infrastructure, and strong institutional systems that underpin effective research and innovation,” the academy stated.
The academy additionally pressured that governance inside instructional and research establishments is vital to making sure transparency, accountability and operational effectivity, whatever the degree of funding out there.
It stated appointments to governing councils of universities and research establishments ought to be primarily based strictly on advantage, with choice given to people who possess related educational {qualifications} and demonstrable expertise in the governance and administration of tertiary establishments.
According to the academy, the nation’s foremost impartial scientific physique devoted to advancing science, expertise and innovation and selling the usage of scientific information to deal with problems with nationwide curiosity, such an method would assist guarantee efficient oversight, stability and institutional credibility.
The NAS additional expressed concern over current appointments of non-technocrats and non-specialists as chief executives of research institutes and science-based businesses, urging that such appointments be reviewed.
“Recent appointments of non-technocrats and non-specialists as chief executives of research institutes and science-based agencies should be reviewed and, where necessary, such appointments should be reversed to ensure that leadership of these institutions is entrusted to individuals with appropriate technical expertise, proven research credentials, and the capacity to advance national scientific and innovation objectives,” the assertion stated.
The academy additionally raised considerations about what it described as irregularities in the appointment of vice-chancellors in some universities, stressing the necessity for due course of and strict adherence to established procedures to minimise controversies and guarantee merit-based choices.
It urged each federal and state governments to undertake its 2026 agenda geared toward strengthening funding in research and constructing credible, globally aggressive establishments.
The academy stated strengthening governance methods and investing in science would assist foster a nationwide tradition of excellence, accountability and innovation in science and expertise.