He premised the development on too much emphasis on theory, rather than research and development in the tertiary institutions.
According to him, renowned universities in the world gained such recognition and ranking because they keyed into research, which in turn served as catalyst for the development of their economy.
The TETFund boss said this during a courtesy call on him in Abuja by the Governor of Kebbi State, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu.
He said, “Our universities and academic staff emphasise teaching to the detriment of research. Applied and product development research is an area that our researchers have stayed away from; but in essence, could have strengthened their capacity to make Nigeria a knowledge-driven economy rather than remaining a dormant economy.”
Bogoro also disclosed that as a way of making academicians think out of the box, the Federal Government had made it mandatory for Research and Development Units to be established in all tertiary institutions in the country.
He said each of the R&D units would be supported with N50m through a pool of funds domiciled with the National Research Fund to encourage intellectuals interested in research.
According to him, government is ready to give patent and commercialise any worthy research initiated and carried out by the tertiary institutions.
Bogoro said, “Last year, the Board of Trustees of TETFund approved a new priority that led to the creation of department of research and development, the process has started to provide funding to create research and development units in all public tertiary institutions in the next few months.
“The national research fund gives opportunity for applied and product development research, rather than basic research. It is our belief that the only way to solve the nation’s economic crisis is by engaging and strengthening the capacity of development-based research in research communities, especially in tertiary institutions.
“We believe that it is in the area of research that Nigeria can strengthen her competitive capacity in the universities, polytechnics and colleges of education community.”
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