For Nigeria to derive maximum economic benefits from research efforts, researchers must begin to apply new research strategies, former Dean of Pharmacy Faculty, University of Lagos, Professor Kemi Odukoya, has said.
Odukoya, who made the submission, during UNILAG’s 10th Annual Research Conference & Fair 2015, held recently at the Multipurpose Hall, University of Lagos, Akoka, said research was indispensable for national development.
“There must be research in all ramifications,” she said. “If you look at Pharmacy today, most of the disease states are not responding to old molecules anymore, so new molecules must be developed for disease states. And the only way to get there is through research. Thus the implementation of new research strategies for national transformation is key. How can you transform the nation with the old strategies?”
Odukoya stated further that research had suffered a major setback due to lack of commitment on the side of the government and the society as a whole.
“It’s unfortunate that Nigerians, don’t appreciate research; they only want the end product. How you start as an inventor, how you put all resources together to achieve the end product is of no interest to anyone. Being a successful scientist is more than just being a graduate, it’s what you have been able to produce from your end that speaks for you. It’s not all about money; the ivory tower at the university is for teaching, research and service”, she noted.
She therefore urged all students, academicians, and government to devote more time and resources to academic investigation, in order to boost the nation’s economy through research outputs.
Also speaking at the event, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic & Research), UNILAG, Professor Babajide Alo, stated that there would be no new knowledge, without new research efforts.
“That is why we at the University of Lagos believe seriously that it is only through research that our country can grow. It is only through research that the transformation we are looking for can take place, he said.”
Alo, who gave ample descriptions of research efforts at the institution, urged members of the society to take active part in the research process, by reporting challenges to academic and research institutions and looking up to them for solutions.
He added that as a public institution, the institution had an obligation to the society which was to provide solutions to the challenges of individuals in the society.
“Essentially this annual research conference is designed by the university to provide solutions to national challenges, and perennial challenges of the people of the nation. We are actually moving forward, because several works of the university are being utilised in the industry,” he said.
