ASUU Advocates for National Research Council to Ensure Proper Use of Funds
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a stark warning that Nigeria faces significant risks of mismanaging research funds unless robust institutional controls are established. In a recent interview, ASUU National President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, emphasized the urgent need for a legally backed national research council to coordinate and regulate the country's numerous research institutions.
Weak Coordination Threatens Research Integrity
Prof. Piwuna pointed out that Nigeria currently hosts over 60 research institutions, many of which are underperforming due to inadequate coordination and a lack of strategic direction. This situation, he argued, creates a fertile ground for the potential misuse of substantial research funds, as these institutions operate without proper oversight from statutorily mandated bodies.
"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," Piwuna stated. He posed a critical question: "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? Could it be used for the 2027 general election? Or are we truly going to use it for research?"
New Funding Agreement and Its Implications
Piwuna acknowledged the recent Federal Government/ASUU agreement, which commits the government to allocating one per cent of Nigeria's annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to research. This allocation could amount to approximately N4 trillion per year, potentially transforming the country's research capacity. However, he cautioned that funding alone is insufficient to address the deep-seated challenges in the sector.
Call for Private Sector Partnerships
To complement government efforts, Piwuna advocated for stronger collaborations between universities and private sector industries. He suggested that companies could sponsor advanced academic research aimed at solving specific industrial problems. "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 queried, highlighting the potential for mutually beneficial partnerships.
Piwuna stressed that a genuine partnership between government, academia, and the private sector is essential for building a sustainable research ecosystem. "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.
Addressing the Policy-Research Disconnect
The ASUU president also lamented the significant disconnect between policymakers and researchers, which he believes has hindered national progress. "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," Piwuna said. He noted that currently, there is a total disconnect between policy directives and the research outputs that could meaningfully drive the country forward.
In summary, ASUU's call for a national research council underscores the critical need for structured oversight and coordination to prevent fund mismanagement. By fostering partnerships and aligning research with national policies, Nigeria can harness its research potential for sustainable development and innovation.
