The Academic Staff Union of Universities has proposed the creation of a legally backed national research council to regulate and coordinate the country’s research institutions. ASUU National President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, made this call while highlighting the need for strong institutional mechanisms to prevent the mismanagement of research funds.
Piwuna lamented the existing disconnect between policymakers and researchers, noting that it has slowed national progress. He stressed the need for a connection between state policies and research outputs to ensure meaningful development.
"The research environment in Nigeria needs to change fundamentally. Part of the change we desire is to see a connection between the state’s policies and what happens in our research. There is a total disconnect now between what the policies are and those of us who should produce research whose outputs would meaningfully make the country make progress," Piwuna stated.
He further emphasized that collaboration between the government, academia, and the private sector is critical for building a sustainable research ecosystem. Piwuna suggested that private sector industries should sponsor advanced academic research that directly addresses industrial challenges.
"What if Dangote decides to sponsor 100 PhDs in selected Nigerian universities, and whatever they are doing should improve his refinery or cement factory?" he asked.
The ASUU president noted that a genuine partnership is necessary for success. "We cannot do this successfully without a genuine handshake with the private sector. Let them tell us what they want; let us tell them what we can give and achieve on terms of how to achieve these things," he added.
Piwuna observed that Nigeria currently has more than 60 research institutions, many of which are underperforming due to weak coordination and a lack of strategic direction. He warned that without proper oversight, there is a potential for misuse of funds.
"We need to have a legal backing for a research council that would harmonise, streamline and bring all these research institutions and their activities together. If we flood the research space in Nigeria with N4 trillion today, where would it go? Let us answer it honestly. Will it go into people’s pockets?" Piwuna queried.
