DG NBMA calls for more funding for science, technology to drive development
By DIRECTOR General/CEO of the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) Dr Rufus Ebegba says there is need for the country to invest in science and technology in order to properly drive change for the development of the country.
In a keynote address at the 2nd National conference on science and technology by the faculty of natural and applied science in Nasarawa State University, Keffi today, 28th May 2018, Ebegba said Nigeria has invested little in science, technology and innovation.
The country’s gross expenditure for research and development as a percentage of GDP is 0.2, less than half the world average.
He said the country must look at developed Nations across the world and draw lessons on science and technology as they are drivers of change in any society, noting that investment in research and development (R&D) must be improved.
Dr Rufus said, “the Federal Government has taken a step in the right direction with the approval of the National Science, Technology and Innovation Roadmap 2017-2030. Amongst other things, this Roadmap will help with the diversification of the economy and the development of indigenous technologies”.
“Advanced countries such as the United States of America and the United Kingdom continue to invest greatly in R&D to sustain their industries and create new innovations. In recent years, many Asian countries, especially China and Korea, have invested aggressively in R&D, infrastructure and educational capacity. Nigeria ought to emulate this level of commitment and investment in science and technology”. He said.
He said there is need to place emphasis on science education at all levels of the country’s educational system. “Mechanisms must be put in place to improve the quality of scientific infrastructure available for learning and research at the tertiary level.
This will improve the quality of scientific research in our institutions while also creating opportunities for innovation”.
The DG harped on the need for collaborations between scientists and industry for the commercialization of patents and innovations adding that forums that bring scientists together should also endeavour to accommodate technologists, engineers and experts of the industry so that indigenous technologies can be advanced to solve the challenges of the people.
He said the federal government has put in place structures to ensure that these innovations thrive and do not have an adverse effect on humans and the environment through the establishment of the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) which is a regulatory agency that ensures that science and technology innovations do not become harmful to Nigerians.
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