Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has said Nigerians must dismantle the barriers between research and relevance.
He spoke at the 22nd National Council on Innovation, Science and Technology, in Abuja.
Nnaji said: “We must weave together academia, industry, government and finance into a seamless ecosystem — an ecosystem where every discovery finds a home, every invention finds a market, and every idea has a chance to change the world.
“Today, our theme is a declaration and a call to action: ‘Research, Develop, Innovate and Commercialise: A Cycle for National Prosperity.’
‘’In these few words lies the secret to global leadership. In this cycle lies the blueprint of every economy that has risen from poverty to prosperity.
‘’The most powerful nations today are not necessarily the richest in minerals. They are the richest in ideas.
‘‘They do not export raw materials; they export human ingenuity, scientific breakthroughs and technological marvels.
‘’Nigeria must not be different. Nigeria must rise — by transforming research into real-world solutions, development into visible progress, innovation into thriving industries, and commercialisation into national wealth.
“The task before us is urgent and historic. You — scientists, researchers, entrepreneurs, policymakers — are not just contributors; you are the custodians of Nigeria’s future.
‘’Let us ignite a movement where every project carries a commercialisation plan, where every student sees innovation not just as an aspiration, but also as a career, and where every enterprise is powered by indigenous technology.
“Let us commit to making research purposeful. Let us commit to making development intentional. Let us commit to making innovation inclusive.
‘‘And let us ensure that commercialisation becomes impactful — the engine that spins and spins until it drives our prosperity.”
Solomon Sesesie Ajasa, a third-year PhD student at The University of Alabama, United States of America, USA, has emphasised the safety of workers through research and training.
Ajasa stated this against the backdrop of the hazards being faced by many construction workers in Nigeria while carrying out their duties.
The doctoral student, who has provided technical support to train over 800 construction workers, equipping them with crucial knowledge to recognise early heat exposure symptoms and take preventive measures, stated this in an interview with the media on Tuesday.
Speaking further, he stated that his passion for research and training in occupational safety stemmed from his experience of witnessing two tragic construction accidents in Nigeria as a field officer and his academic journey, which he said saw him complete a Master of Science in Civil Engineering in just 10 months, an extraordinary achievement that earned him a fully funded graduate assistantship.
Under the mentorship of Dr. Siyuan Song, an assistant professor in civil, construction, and environmental engineering at The University of Alabama, Ajasa has been at the forefront of groundbreaking research aimed at improving workplace safety across multiple industries.
Ajasa’s recognition in the Safety Automation and Visualisation Environment (SAVE) Lab positioned him to work on federally funded safety training programs.
“Over the past three years, I have contributed to multiple research projects on worker safety, risk mitigation, and hazard awareness.
“One of the key projects involved developing heat stress training materials under ‘Fortifying Workforce Safety: Strengthening Training Capacity for Heat Illness Prevention,’ an initiative funded by the Department of Labour’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
“Through this program, in addition to construction safety, we have played a significant role in mine safety training through the ‘Enhancing Workplace Safety through Hazard Awareness Training for New and Inexperienced Surface Miners’ project, funded by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA),” he said.
This initiative, he said, was developed in response to data showing that new and inexperienced surface miners accounted for approximately 26% of total mining accidents.
Ajasa stated that he worked on creating engaging training materials, incorporating animations and expert panel discussions led by seasoned mine safety professionals.
According to him, these efforts helped train over 400 surface miners across the southeastern United States.
“Beyond my involvement in training programs, my research explores ways to integrate technology and data-driven approaches into occupational safety.
“The study, ‘Detecting and Preventing Falls Using a Hybrid Technology System,’ provides insights into mitigating fall hazards in construction,” he stated.
He revealed that his work has been presented at the International Conference on Computing in Civil Engineering (i3ce) and the Construction Research Congress (CRC), contributing to the growing knowledge base in safety engineering.
A major component of the training programs, Ajasa said, that he worked on includes a structured, three-level assessment to measure knowledge retention and ensure workers can effectively apply the training.
“These structured evaluations help improve training effectiveness and allow for continuous updates to the curriculum based on real-world feedback.
“My work in worker safety research, hazard mitigation, and technology integration continues to drive meaningful change in the industry while setting us apart as a leading voice in the future of occupational safety.
“With emerging threats such as extreme weather, infectious diseases, and evolving construction risks, the research is paving the way for innovative safety solutions that protect workers across industries.
“Through data-driven research, hands-on training, and continuous advocacy, we are impacting workplace safety in the United States and beyond,” he said.
National President of IORMS, Prof. Idorenyin Etukudo, particularly appealed to the Vice-Chancellor of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), Prof. Okechukwu Onuchukwu, to be the first to establish such programme under the Department of Mathematics and Statistics.
Etukudo spoke at the opening ceremony of the 5th IORMS International Conference, tagged, Resources Optimisation for Sustainable Economic Development, holding at the Ignatius Ajuru University, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Etukudo said that only Modibbo Adama University in Yola was currently offering a five-year B.Tech degree programme in Operations Research.
He said: “As part of my welcome address, I wish to appeal to the vice-chancellor of this university that his acceptance of hosting this conference should go beyond this but to also include the acceptance of our request to set in motion a means of mounting B.Sc Programme in Operations Research under the Department of Mathematics and Statistics.
“Potential students can be drawn from those desiring to study courses in Natural and Applied Sciences, Social Sciences and Management Sciences.
“As at now, only Modibbo Adama University, Yola in Nigeria has a running degree programme in Operations Research and it is B.Tech, which is a five-year programme.
“If this university mounts a B.Sc programme in Operations Research, it will be the first university to mount a four-year programme in Operations Research. We have already developed a curriculum in Operations Research for a 4-year programme. We can make the curriculum available on demand.”
The IORMS President highlighted the growing need for professionals to bridge the gap between academic research and practical solutions to real-life problems.
According to him, a growing gap between academic research and practical solutions in developing countries prompted a call to action for professionals to work together to address real-life problems.
He emphasised that the conference was designed to address this gap through paper presentations, roundtable discussions, and workshops.
He said: “Over the years, developments in various sectors of national life of developing countries have revealed a wide gap between theory in the form of academic researches and operations in practical terms. And as such, there is a growing need for professionals to work together in order to narrow this gap, providing solutions to real life problems using on-hand methods for solving these problems.
“Given one of our mandates, this conference is set to tackle these problems through paper presentations, round table discussions and workshop.Conferences and workshops impact positively in the training and retraining process of human resources in any organisation.”
The VC, in his remarks, expressed gratitude for the safe arrival of participants and encouraged the institute to explore sub-themes required to develop practical models that addressed multidimensional problems and foster a viable nation.
Represented by the Dean of Postgraduate School, Prof. Kingdom Orji, the VC urged IORMS to produce actionable solutions, emphasising the need for tangible outcomes.
He assured the audience that the Vice Chancellor would consider IORMS’ suggestion to establish a BSc programme in Operations Research and Management Science, demonstrating the institution’s commitment to supporting innovative academic initiatives.
Also, in her welcome address, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) Chairperson Dr. Ukamaka Cynthia Orumie emphasised the significance of the conference, highlighting the diverse backgrounds and expertise of attendees.
She noted that the event provided a platform for idea exchange, collaboration, and partnership-building to optimise resources for sustainable economic development.
Have you ever felt like a detective hot on the trail of a hidden treasure? That’s the thrill of research! For college students, diving into research isn’t just about endless hours in the library or stressing over your next research paper. It’s about sparking your curiosity and trying to become a lifelong learner.
But let’s face it, sometimes the challenges of research can feel overwhelming. That’s where services like WritePapers come in. With a simple request like: write my research paper for me, you can get expert help with your research paper and focus on the joy of discovery. But it doesn’t mean you can stop developing research skills.
Why research is important to students, you ask? It’s not just about getting good grades or impressing your professors. Research equips you with a whole set of skills that you’ll be able to apply beyond school.
It’s about becoming a critical thinker, a problem-solver, and a confident communicator. Research opens doors to new ideas, challenges your assumptions, and empowers you to make a real difference in the world.
Research paper writing is like going on a scavenger hunt for knowledge. It’s your chance to dive into a subject that totally fascinates you.
By looking into research paper ideas and checking out what experts have already said, you’ll reach a whole new level of understanding. Think of it like leveling up your brain in a video game – the more you research, the more you know!
This isn’t just about regurgitating facts from textbooks or lectures; it’s about digging deeper and forming a solid knowledge base. It’s like going down a rabbit hole of information, where you find connections you never knew existed and challenge old ways of thinking.
You might stumble upon some mind-blowing studies, wild theories, or even historical events that shaped the world we live in today.
You’ll learn fancy new words, become a pro at figuring out what’s true and what’s not, and become a more informed and engaged citizen.
Plus, you’ll pick up valuable skills along the way, like how to ask good research questions, gather evidence, analyze data, and draw your own conclusions. These skills will come in handy no matter what you do in life.
Developing Critical Thinking Skills
Student research is about learning to flex those critical thinking muscles. When you analyze information, question assumptions, and evaluate different viewpoints, you’re building your mental strength and agility.
Think of it like this: when you lift weights, you’re not just making your muscles bigger; you’re also training them to work together more efficiently. Similarly, when you engage in research, you’re also sharpening your ability to connect the dots, spot patterns, and draw meaningful conclusions.
This is where things get really interesting. As you dive deeper into your research, you’ll start to see the world in a whole new way.
You’ll question the status quo, challenge conventional wisdom, and develop your own perspective. You’ll become a more independent thinker capable of making informed decisions and tackling complex problems with confidence.
Whether you’re solving a math problem, writing an essay, or debating a current event, critical thinking is the key to realizing your full potential.
You’re writing research papers not just because you need to earn enough credit. You’re actually learning to express your ideas clearly and persuasively.
Think of it as a crash course in becoming a communication guru. You’ll learn how to craft compelling arguments, back up your claims with evidence, and organize your thoughts in a way that makes sense to others.
But it doesn’t stop there. You can become a better speaker and presenter. When you share your findings with others, whether in a classroom presentation or a professional conference, you’re practicing the art of public speaking. You’ll learn how to capture your audience’s attention, explain complex concepts in simple terms, and answer tough questions with confidence.
And we can’t help but mention the visuals. Research often involves creating charts, graphs, and other visual clues to present your findings. This is a great way to hone your design skills and learn how to communicate information in a visually appealing way.
So, whether you’re writing research papers, giving presentations, or creating visual aids, research is a powerful tool for developing your communication skills. These skills will be invaluable in any career path you choose, whether you’re a scientist, a marketer, a teacher, or an entrepreneur.
If you’re determined and dedicated, you can become an excellent communicator and make your voice heard in the world.
Preparing for the Future
When you tackle a research paper, you’re not just learning about a specific topic; you’re developing a whole arsenal of skills that employers crave.
These skills include but are not limited to critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and time management. You learn how to look for the needed information and verify it, analyze data, draw logical conclusions, and present your findings. These are the same skills that will help you excel in your future career, no matter what field you choose.
But research goes beyond just skills. It also helps you build confidence and resilience. When you overcome challenges, push through obstacles, and finally see your research project come together, you gain a sense of accomplishment and self-efficacy that will serve you well in any endeavor.
So, don’t think of research as just another task to cross off your list. It’s actually an investment in your future.
By honing your research skills, you’re preparing for a successful and fulfilling career. Who knows, the research you do today could even spark a lifelong passion or lead you to your dream job!
Overcoming Challenges of Research: Your Cheat Sheet to Crushing It
You might find yourself drowning in a sea of sources, wrestling with the dreaded research paper format. Or you might stare blankly at a blinking cursor, wondering if your brain has taken a permanent vacation.
But hey, don’t give up just yet! Here’s your cheat sheet to crush the research:
Expect to get sidetracked, stumble upon unexpected gems, and maybe even change your mind a few times. That’s all part of the fun!
Your professors, librarians, and classmates are your trusty sidekicks on this adventure. Bounce ideas off each other or just vent about the frustrations of research.
You need the right tools to level up. This includes:
Your trusty sidekick, the research paper format guide. It’s like a map that shows you the lay of the land and helps you avoid common pitfalls.
Your trusty steed, the internet. Use it wisely to find reliable sources, track down elusive information, and connect with other researchers.
Your secret weapon, online tools. From citation managers to plagiarism checkers, these handy tools can save you time and headaches.
Procrastination and writer’s block are the two-headed monsters that haunt every researcher. But don’t let them win! Take a break, do something fun, or try a different approach. Sometimes, you come up with brilliant ideas the moment it seems you run out of them.
Closing Thoughts
So, what’s the final verdict? Research isn’t just a boring task you have to do for school. It’s your secret weapon for becoming a knowledge ninja, a critical thinker, and a communication guru. It’s your ticket to realizing your full potential and leaving your mark on the world.
Sure, research can be tough sometimes. But with the right tools, the right attitude, and maybe a little help from a research paper service like WritePapers, you can conquer any challenge that comes your way. And hey, if you ever get stuck, just remember that even Einstein had to start somewhere.
So, go forth and explore! Embrace the thrill of discovery, the joy of learning, and the power of research to become the perfect version of yourself.
Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, has said Nigeria’s
Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) ecosystem requires robust coordination that is resilient, inclusive and forward-thinking.
He said this while declaring open RDI Coordination Summit tagged: “Advancing Nigeria’s Global Competitiveness through a Resilient National RDI Coordination,” organised by West African Research and Education Network (WACREN) and supported by the UK Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), UK.
The minister said: “Our goal is to create a system where academia, industry, government and the community not only interact, but also thrive together, fostering an environment ripe for groundbreaking innovations.
“Our vision for Nigeria is to become a hub for African innovation, contributing to the global knowledge economy. This can be achieved by implementing a three-pronged approach.”
“It is imperative that we build and strengthen the institutional frameworks necessary for effective RDI coordination. This includes policy reforms that incentivise research and development, protect intellectual properties and facilitate the commercialisation of research outcomes.
“The collaboration between the public sector, private industry and academic institutions is crucial. By fostering partnerships that leverage the strengths of each sector, we can accelerate the translation of research into market-ready solutions that address our most pressing challenges.
“At the heart of any successful RDI ecosystem are the people. Investing in education and training to build a skilled workforce ready to navigate and lead in the Fourth Industrial
“We must nurture our young talents and provide them with the platforms to excel and innovate.
“The journey to enhancing Nigeria’s global competitiveness through resilient RDI coordination is a collective endeavour. It requires commitment, collaboration and a relentless pursuit of excellence.”
The federal government quest to create wealth and make jobs available to all has received a major boost.
This became self-evident last week with the flurry of activities at the nation’s foremost Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi [FIIRO] as the Institute’s management led the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology (IST) on a tour of its facility.
The Minister of IST, Chief Geoffrey Nnaji, who was on his first official visit to FIIRO, could not hide his surprise and elation at the vast opportunities and finished research works which he said if harnessed by business men, and commercialised will fetch Nigeria huge amounts of money.
The extensive tour took the Ministerial entourage through the FIIRO cassava pilot plant, the Institute’s pavilion which houses the proto type equipment, the imposing engineering building, the FIIRO Dome, where the Institute showcases all their products which have been concluded and ready for commercialisation. The tour ended with visits to the various laboratories.
Addressing the Media, the Director General FIIRO, Dr. Jummai Tutuwa said innovation and technology hold sway in issues of national development. She noted that the institute has been at the forefront of boosting innovative research on all the available raw materials in Nigeria, both agro-based and mineral excluding oil, which has yielded positive solutions.
Dr. Tutuwa said that the Institute has developed over 250 research and development technologies and has completely packaged over 100 of them ready for immediate transfer.
The amiable DG of FIIRO, disclosed that the food, beverage, pulp, paper, textile, cement, paint, soap and cosmetics as well as the engineering industry amongst others have benefitted immensely from the Institute’s research and development results.
“The Institute is spurring economic development through job creation and technology transfer and has trained over 500,000 techno-entrepreneurs on its various developed technologies”, said Tutuwa.
According to her, numerous entrepreneurs have established production enterprises based on the technologies acquired from the Institute, adding that millions of jobs have been created through direct and multiplier effects of these entrepreneurs.
Emphasizing on what he said before, the Minister Science and Technology said “We must produce, we must get people employed. We must commercialise the research we have. There are so many of these research products we have on the shelf that have not been touched. If Nigeria can concentrate on bringing out these research products, then Nigeria will change overnight”.
“I keep saying that to move this country forward we need innovation, science and technology. We are the focus of economic development, there are no two ways about it and that is why I keep praying that more money be allocated to places like FIIRO so that those researches can see the light of the day.”
Speaking about the FIIRO cassava pilot plant, he noted that with cassava alone that we can make fortunes in this country. “We have quality cassava machines here. Nigeria is the largest producer of cassava in the whole world. We produce 64 million metric tons per annum. With the strength we have now, H419, we will multiply it to 120 million metric tons and make a lot of money.
“From cassava, we can have feed for poultry, cows using cassava peels, then you can get on to getting starch, sorbitol, flour etcetera. We have to stop importing and look inwards,” he said.
Commending the DG FIIRO, the Minister described her as capable hands and said he has been discussing with her and that “part of our focus going forward will be to start doing pilot planting so that we have as many cassava, as many plants as possible so we can use the leaves, stem to make papers.”
“We are also using this opportunity to appeal to investors that go outside Nigeria to import machines, to look inwards as we have better, solid and durable machines that can last very long in FIIRO. We are inviting investors to come here and see what we have so as to commercialize most of these things,” appealed the Minister.
The Federal Government is in the process of setting up a research and development fund.
Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, during a working visit to the Lagos office of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), said such funds will help the RMRDC, develop most of its researches, so that the nation can bring out most of these resources from the shelves.
Obviously impressed by what he saw during the visit, Nnaji added that if the nation “can anchor on what we can find at the RMRDC, then you can be sure that Nigeria will move miles ahead.”
Already, he said the activities of the council are yielding positive fruits, citing the outcome of his interaction with an industrialist businessman from Canada, which will soon culminate in the establishment of a glass manufacturing company in Nigeria.
According to the minister, the businessman was going to set up the factory in Algeria, when he told him Nigeria has the necessary raw materials for making float glasses, including selica and caustic soda in abundance.
“I had just finished my tour of the RMRDC centre in Abuja and I saw that there is soda ash in Nigeria, so when we were discussing, he said he wanted to establish a big glass factory that can serve the whole of Africa in Algeria; so I said to him, ‘you don’t have to do it in Algeria, we have soda ash, we have silica here. He said it’s not true, so I had to take him to the Raw Materials Research and Development Centre, Abuja, where he saw soda ash live; he saw limestone, and he saw the machine that can convert limestone to caustic soda and to precipitated calcium carbonate; so he was marvelled, and last week, we signed an agreement for him to set up a full glass factory in Nigeria,” Nnaji said.
The minister further stated that the factory will take off in less than six months and if the nation can have two of such factories, then it may no longer have to import glasses, thereby saving the country a lot of foreign currency.
The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has said that President Bola Tinubu‘s administration is planning to establish funds for the research and development of natural medicine.
He made this known in Lagos at the weekend during the unveiling of four drugs produced by the Nigerian National Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNNMDA).
This visit also marked the minister’s first trip to the agency.
The new drugs are Namdune (200mg) meant for Anti-ageing, Namdasan (200mg) for anti-sickling, Aberecin (200mg) for anti-diabetes and Nanobere (50kg).
The minister, who lauded the efforts of the agency for carrying out research to produce the drugs, emphasized the importance of research and development in the natural medicine sector for the growth, well-being and progress of the nation.
He said: “This is the kind of innovation, the kind of science we are talking about in science and tech and this is why our President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu said that science remains the key to nation building.
“Part of what we keep saying is that there must be research and development funds. So, the President and the government, are looking at it very seriously. If we have research and development funds, the issue of drug hikes will be addressed that is on the one hand. When I came in as a minister, I insisted that my key area is to commercialise what we have on the shelves, the development, the research we have on the shelf, and this is part of the store.”
Regarding the distribution of the unveiled medicines to the general public, the minister stated that it would be facilitated through government funding and partnerships with the private sector.
He said: “Once we have research and development funding and private partners, which we are searching for, we’ve gotten a couple of them. But it depends on what they are going to choose. Remember, these are not the only four products that we have. There are over 15 to 20 of them on the shelf. That was why I had to come for an inspection because I have to take note of them.”
The agency’s Director General/Chief Executive Officer (DG/CEO), Prof Martins Emeje, appreciated the federal government’s plans to establish a research and development fund, urging the federal government to ensure the application of proposals before researchers can access the fund.
He noted: “I am happy that this government is talking about research funds. In my opinion, when the government launches it, they should put money there and not give it to anybody.
“Let all of us who are scientists, lecturers in the university, and research institutes in this country write a competitive proposal to that research fund. Let’s see who wins the research? That is how it is done.”
Prof Emeje also disclosed that before the end of the year, the Agency will be unveiling 11 more locally formulated drugs for various infections.
Noting that the Agency’s research farms across the country were generating positive results, he explained that they have done all the laboratory animal investigations and proven that the products are efficacious based on their animal studies.
He described the unveiled four products as natural harping that expresses the ingenuity of researchers in the agency.
He stated: “The products are for upper respiratory infections, cough, catarrh, and you know many of them are on viral etiology which means they go on their own, but in most cases, our people go get antibiotics.
“There are things that nature has already produced. Nature is the best laboratory in the world, but you see that pride does not allow people who have gone to school to go and understudy nature.”
He disclosed that by October this year, President Bola Tinubu will be launching 11 more products formulated by the agency, adding that the 11 products would create not less than 2 million jobs.
He added: “Nigeria is the biggest black nation in the world. Nigeria has the highest plant biodiversity in Africa. So if we are talking of contribution to health in the herbal area, is Nigeria not supposed to be on top? And we at NNMDA, are very serious about it. All we just need is to allow us to do our work.”
Eleven research companies in the country are beneficiaries of the Federal government, Czech Republic Delta 2 program that would be funding their researches and innovations.
The programme launched in 2021 by National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and Czech Republic (TA CR), was designed to fund and enable research, development and innovation projects in three focus areas: Agriculture, Mining, and General Manufacturing for SMEs.
The $21.7m set aside to finance the selected projects is from NASENI contributing $10m and TA CR contributing $11.7m.
Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) NASENI, Khalil Halilu said calls for submissions of applications went out, and a very robust screening process took place between 2022 and 2023, with the emergence of eleven successful projects that will be funded in this first phase of the program.
He said this yesterday in Abuja at the award ceremony and signing of agreements for the implementation of Delta-2 projects, under Nigeria and Czech bilateral cooperation.
Halilu said the Delta-2 Program is yet another manifestation of NASENI’s commitment to fulfilling its mandate of transforming Nigeria’s technology and innovation landscape, through sustained focus on the 3Cs of Collaboration, Creation and Commercialization.
The EVC added: “Ultimately, our goal is not just to produce prototypes and models, but to ensure that these are taken to market; that they are available commercially for consumers and end-users to benefit from.
“Knowing that the real value of technology lies in market usefulness and application, our vision in the new NASENI that we are building is to be valued and relevant in the market.
“That is what the Delta-2 Program is all about. I am pleased to note that for every N1 that NASENI will be investing into this phase of the Delta-2 program, to develop these new projects and products, we will realize almost N6 in commercial returns.
“This is in addition to the jobs that will be created, and the capacity building and technology transfer. That is what NASENI stands for: leveraging technology and talent to deliver returns that benefit Nigeria on multiple levels.”
The Chairman, Presidential Implementation Committee on Technology Transfer/Information Exchange between Nigeria and Czech Republic, Dr. Muhammed Dahiru said the Call for Public Proposals for the Programme was launched on May 18, 2022 and they received 285 proposals from various companies registered in Nigeria, the proposal cut across the three focal areas of Agriculture, Mining and SME development.
Dahiru said the distribution of the beneficiaries of the awards spans across the country, having all zones represented. The funds are ready, implementation would begin in January 2024 and funding of the projects is scheduled to last between 12 to 36 months.
Members of the Association of Media and Communication Researchers of Nigeria (AMCRON) have called on federal government to support academic research that would engender national development. President of the association, Prof. Eserinune McCarty Mojaye who spoke at the 3rd AMCRON International Conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at the University of Lagos, said that advanced countries of the world realise the importance of research and they deploy it on all frontiers. He noted that in the developing countries however, ‘we do not seem to accord research its pride of place in the scheme of things.’
Theme of the conference was Communication, Mass Media and Governance in Africa: Trajectories, Expectations and Realities. According to Prof. Mojaye AMCRON members are determined to change this narrative and we are committed to making research the bedrock of our development. “We therefore need support from governments and collaboration from the private and public organisations, including well-meaning individuals to achieve our goals in the areas of research and development,” he said.
Chairman of the event and the Chief Executive Officer, Troyka Holdings Limited, Biodun Shobanjo also urged communication scholars and researchers to interrogate issues militating against progress of the nation and proffer possible solutions. Shobanjo observed that ‘history has shown us that when society is in turmoil and the need to make sense of complexities, uncertainties and ambiguities that come about as a consequence of constant, unpredictable change is high, it is to scholars we must turn for the conceptual tools to navigate our way out of the abyss.’
He added that the articulation and dynamic observance of the role of the media in not only informing, educating, entertaining, but more importantly, becoming the advocate and the beacon for the enthronement of good governance is now more than called for. He however expressed worry over abuse of media rules, as well as the trend of media bullying; occurrences which he said must be addressed.
“We are witnesses of attempts by some politicians who daily assail us in their efforts, particularly on television, to capture or intimidate on air, personalities who seek the truth from the probing questions they ask. Rather than comply, people in this category resort to blackmail, mudslinging and bullying.
“It is as if Nigerians do not have a right to know. I do not recall the Nigerian public raising their voices in defence of theses hapless journalists. And yet we, including the political class, applaud the Piers Morgans, Steven Sackurs, Christiane Amanpours, Lyse Doucets, Oprah Winfreys, and the king of them all, the Late Larry Kings, to mention a few, when they probe and call out the political class in their own climes.”
Professor of Journalism and Mass Communication, Ralph Akinfeleye who expressed happiness with the commitment of AMCRON to research for national development advocated the need for such efforts to be relevant and issue-based. He also reminded every media practitioner of the obligation to the people as enshrined in the Nigerian constitution.
Prof Akinfeleye picked holes in the non-justiciability of Chapter 2, Section 22 of the constitution, and therefore called out a section of the media for what he described as acts of sabotage during the last general elections.
