Connect with us

Business

Why Nigerian Government Should Invest In Scientific Research – LASU Dons Reveal

Published

on


Academicians at the Lagos State University, LASU, have called on the Nigerian government to invest in scientific research to solve numerous challenges facing the nation.

The varsity Dons said this on Wednesday at the opening ceremony of the 5th Faculty of Science Conference in the University, with the theme “Cutting Edge Research: A Gateway to National Development”.

The Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Professor Benjamin Aribisala, in his welcome address, said scientific research has brought about unquantifiable revolutions to all facets of human endeavours.

Aribisala, a professor of computer sciences, noted that “scientific research has greatly and positively influenced the way we think, quality of life, life expectance, the nature of governance, education, businesses and even our social engagements.

“One of the ways to appreciate scientific research is to imagine a world without Electricity, Computers, Cars, Mobile Phones or Televisions, such a world could be described as a complete desert, he said.

“The impact of scientific research is so great to the extent that it is a major determinant of economic viability of a nation, adding that “this has led to the assertion that countries with higher scientific breakthroughs generally have better education, better health and higher life expectancy. This suggests that any country with a clear vision to succeed should be ready to embrace and invest in scientific research.

Professor Aribisala said the current situation in Nigeria, most especially in the areas of economic stability, poor quality of education, insecurity, unemployment and political instability call for urgent attention. He, however, expressed dissapointment that little or no consultation has been made to scientific approach of solving these national problems.

Speaking with Journalists, on many problems confronting the nation and what Nigerian scientists are doing, Mrs. Adejoke Ibidapo, a professor of Parasitology, said scientific research requires a lot of funding.

She also lamented that money that could have been used to fund scientific research for national development were being looted by politicians.

According to her, “scientific research has a lot to do with financial backing and we also know what the government is facing concening money right now. Billions and trillions were being spent by individuals instead of channeling them to scientific research.

“Some universities have just resumed from strike all because we need better infrastructures. If you go to other universities, even for publishing you are encouraged, you are given something for your effort.

“More money should be channelled to national institutes and Universities for better equipment of laboratories that will encourage standard research which is key to national development, Professor Ibidapo said

In her submission, Professor Sena Bakre of the department of Microboiology, urged the federal  government to increase budget in education and fund tertiary institutions, noting that materials and finance are the major problems affecting research.

Also, Professor Adenike Boyo of the department of Physics, who works on Solar energy, said electricity and lack of equipment are some of the challenges affecting standard research in Nigeria.

Speaking on how research can contribute significantly to the nation’s GDP, Professor Boyo said, “most of the research works end in the laboratory, noting that ”if there is a database of researches, most of the problems in Nigeria will be solved.

The professor of physics further revealed how Nigeria can generate so much revenue from the solar energy she is working on.

According to her, when the prototype is tested, replicated in rural areas, the innovation can also be exported to other other countries and this will increase GDP.

Earlier, the LOC Chairman, Professor Aribisala said the focus of the 50day Faculty of Science 2017 Conference is to bring academic scholars of our great country Nigeria and those of the leading nations of the world together to discuss the way forward in Nigerians’ national development. We hope to give researchers the platform to showcase their research findings, establish collaborations, develop new research ideas and identify the scientific approach and gateway to Nigeria’s national development noting that the faculty has received about 160 abstract submissions from various scientific disciplines

The keynote speech was delivered by Dr. Babak Kateb, Director and CEO of the Society for Brain Mapping and Therapeutics in Los Angeles, USA. via a video conferencing.

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

Business

Petrol: MRS Slashes Petrol Price to N935/Litre Nationwide, Enforces compliance

Published

on

General Buratai Urges Dangote Not To Succumb To Marketers Blackmail, Reveals Why

Petrol: MRS Slashes Petrol Price to N935/Litre Nationwide, Enforces compliance

… Nigerians praise Dangote-MRS partnership

 

MRS Oil Nigeria Plc, a prominent player in the Nigerian downstream oil industry, has implemented a new petrol price of N935 per litre across all its retail service stations nationwide. This follows an announcement by the President of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has partnered with MRS Oil and Gas to offer petrol at N935 per litre at retail outlets, following a reduction in the ex-depot price from N970 to N899.50 per litre.

In response, MRS Oil Nigeria Plc has instructed all its outlets to implement the new price immediately, setting up a digital platform and monitoring team to ensure full compliance. The company has also called on Nigerians to report any outlets that fail to adhere to the new price structure.

“Petrol is now being sold at N935 at MRS Filling Stations nationwide. If you find any station not following this price, please report it. Call 08009447853 or email: [email protected],” the company stated in a release.

Emphasising the eco-friendly nature of its products, MRS Oil added, *“We call on all petrol station owners to join MRS Oil Nigeria Plc in improving the supply chain of our beloved country, ensuring product quality and availability in every corner of Nigeria for the benefit of all Nigerians.”*

Checks by our correspondents yesterday confirmed that the new price had been implemented at all MRS Oil and Gas retail outlets nationwide.

In Lagos, commuters were seen queuing at MRS filling stations to purchase petrol. Many expressed their gratitude to Dangote Petroleum Refinery and MRS Oil and Gas, urging other marketers to support the indigenous refinery rather than import off-spec products into the country.

Mrs. Ibukun Phillips, a commuter at the MRS station at Alapere on the Lagos Ibadan Express way, could not hide her joy as her husband filled up their car.

“I am very happy today. This is a victory for Nigeria,” she said. “The price reduction is the best gift of the season. But beyond just the reduction, we are buying standard, eco-friendly petrol at a lower rate. My husband and I have decided we will only be using MRS from now on because we are confident in the quality of the product and supporting the economy.”

Commercial bus driver Adio Ajibade described the price reduction as a great relief, especially during the festive season.

“The reduction is a great relief. It will reduce transportation costs and benefit Nigerians. God will continue to bless Alhaji Aliko Dangote,” he said.

A public affairs analyst and university lecturer, Dr. Tunde Akanni, said the collaboration between Dangote Petroleum Refinery and MRS Oil represents a significant step towards improving the affordability, quality, and sustainability of petroleum products in Nigeria.

According to Dr. Akanni, “this move will not only help ease the financial burden on Nigerians but also promote a more environmentally conscious approach to fuel consumption, benefitting both the economy and public health in the long term.”

Continue Reading

Business

FIRS ANNOUNCES AN ONGOING RECRUITMENT

Published

on

FIRS ANNOUNCES AN ONGOING RECRUITMENT.

 

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has rolled out an exciting opportunity for experienced professionals to join its team.

In a public notice via its X handle, the agency announced job openings for positions like Assistant Manager, Deputy Manager, and Assistant Director in fields such as Tax, Public Relations, Legal, ICT, and Risk Management.

Interested candidates are encouraged to review the eligibility criteria and apply via the official portal at careers.firs.gov.ng before January 11, 2025. This recruitment drive is aimed at bolstering public service efforts and maximizing national development.

Continue Reading

Business

UBA GMD Calls for Public-Private Collaboration, Joins Aviation Minister to Commission New MMIA Departure Section

Published

on

UBA GMD Calls for Public-Private Collaboration, Joins Aviation Minister to Commission New MMIA Departure Section

The newly renovated departure section of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, refurbished by United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, was officially commissioned on Friday, December 20th, 2024.

The laudable project, which marks a transformative moment in Nigeria’s aviation sector, underscores UBA’s unwavering commitment to national development and highlights the immense value of strategic public-private partnerships (PPPs).

The ceremony was graced by distinguished stakeholders, including the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN; the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku; other Directors, and Heads of Agencies operating at the Airport.

Speaking at the event, UBA’s Group Managing Director/CEO, Oliver Alawuba,lauded the collaboration that brought the project to fruition as he emphasised the need for public and private institutions to come together to build and revamp the nation’s assets.

“This renovation is a testament of UBA’s belief in the transformative power of investing in national assets. By modernising our airports, we not only enhance infrastructure but also position Nigeria as a global hub for tourism, trade, and investment,” he stated.

Alawuba took time to highlight the broader economic impact of such initiatives, urging increased private-sector participation in national development. “Public-private partnerships like this demonstrate what can be achieved when we unite for a shared vision of progress and investing in infrastructure catalyses economic growth, improves travel experiences, and creates opportunities across various sectors of the economy,” he added.

Alawuba reflected on the power of unity and collaboration, quoting Helen Keller: “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” The commissioning of the renovated departure section serves as a reminder of what strategic partnerships can achieve in driving national development and elevating Nigeria’s global standing.”

While commissioning the project, Keyamo commended UBA for executing the project, a feat he termed a landmark achievement in Nigeria’s aviation sector. “This renovated departure section exemplifies the bank’s commitment to elevating aviation infrastructure, improving passenger experiences, and fostering international partnerships. It is a proud moment for the ministry and all stakeholders involved, and I thank the management of UBA for pioneering this initiative,” he remarked.

The minister highlighted other key achievements of his ministry, including compliance with the Cape Town Convention, the launch of a consumer protection portal, and advancements in major infrastructure projects such as the second runway at Abuja Airport and solar energy integration in airport operations.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, commended UBA and other stakeholders for their contributions, adding, “This project reflects FAAN’s dedication to delivering world-class aviation infrastructure. The enhanced departure section not only elevates passenger experiences but also strengthens Nigeria’s competitive position in global aviation,” she said.

She called for more private-sector participation, emphasising that “partnerships like these are essential to transforming the aviation sector into a beacon of excellence.”

The newly renovated departure section boasts cutting-edge facilities designed to enhance efficiency and passenger comfort. This upgrade reaffirms the Murtala Muhammed International Airport’s status as a critical gateway to Nigeria and a major hub for international travel in Africa.

United Bank for Africa is Africa’s Global Bank. Operating across twenty African countries and the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France and the United Arab Emirates, UBA provides retail, commercial and institutional banking services, leading financial inclusion and implementing cutting edge technology. UBA is one of the largest employers in the financial sector on the African continent, with 25,000 employees group wide and serving over 45 million customers globally.

Continue Reading

Cover Of The Week

Trending