Allocate Percentage Of GDP To Research, Professors Advise FG In Abuja 

 ABUJA  – Nigerian professors, recently in Abuja, called on the Federal Government to establish a National Research Council dedicated to producing high-quality journals that meet global standards. 

At the start of a four-day program organized by the African Population and Health Research Centre in collaboration with the Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, former secretary-general Prof. Yakubu Ochefu criticized the government’s inadequate support for research. 

He emphasised that establishing the council would align Nigeria with global best practices and help address the country’s numerous challenges. 

Ochefu advocated for a percentage of Nigeria’s GDP to be allocated to research, asserting that NGOs, secondary schools, and individuals can contribute to research efforts, contrary to common misconceptions. 

He stated, “The government is not doing enough; globally, a portion of GDP should be dedicated to research, and current funding is insufficient. Research should extend beyond tertiary institutions, allowing anyone with an idea to participate in a national research council.” 

Prof. Andrew Haruna, Pro-chancellor and chairman of the Council of Bingham University, echoed that research should be a national priority and a government agenda, as seen in other countries. He noted that research requires time and persistence, and it should build on existing knowledge rather than destroy it.