Professor Adekunle Bakare, a distinguished academic from the Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Ibadan, has raised a significant concern regarding the insufficient allocation of funds for research in African countries, including Nigeria. He notes that this trend, with nations spending less than 0.5 percent of their earnings on research, poses a substantial challenge to the continent’s overall development.
During his presentation at the inaugural faculty lecture of the Faculty of Applied Sciences at KolaDaisi University, Professor Bakare referred to UNESCO’s 2021 Science Report, which highlighted that Sub-Saharan Africa, despite being home to 14 percent of the world’s population, only accounts for 0.7 percent of the world’s researchers. He emphasized the urgent need for a paradigm shift, asserting that Nigeria should take a leadership role in transforming this scenario.
The theme of Professor Bakare’s lecture, ‘Strengthening Scientific Research for Sustainable Development in Nigeria,’ underscores the importance of investing in research to drive sustainable development. The seasoned academic and former Dean of the Faculty of Science at the University of Ibadan outlined various challenges hindering scientific research in Nigeria. These challenges include outdated and deteriorating research infrastructure, insufficient motivation for researchers, and frequent industrial actions.
In urging for a proactive approach to address these impediments, Professor Bakare advocates for increased investment, policy reforms, and a comprehensive strategy to revitalize the scientific research landscape in Nigeria.
