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By Olasunkanmi Onifade
The African University of Science and Technology (AUST) on Wednesday in Abuja called for stronger efforts to bridge the gap between research and policy in Nigeria’s science and technology sector.
Chairman of the Local Organising Committee for the Conference on Communicating Science, Technology and Innovation for National Development, Mr Bosco Okolo-Obi, said this at a news conference ahead of the event.
The conference, being organised by the university in partnership with stakeholders, is scheduled for Oct. 21 to 23 in Abuja with the theme “Communicating Science, Technology and Innovation for National Development.”
Okolo-Obi said the lack of effective communication had limited the impact of scientific advances.
“Without effective translation of research into policies, products and public understanding, the knowledge economy Nigeria aspires to build will remain a distant dream.
“For the first time, we are bringing together researchers, industry leaders, policymakers, the media, educators and the public on a single platform to chart a new course.
“Our focus will be on breaking barriers of technical language, strengthening partnerships, training a new generation of science communicators, and advocating policies that institutionalise science communication in Nigeria,” he said.
He stressed that science and technology were universally acknowledged as engines of economic growth and social progress, with many nations already leading in health, agriculture, energy, digital transformation and industrialisation.
According to him, Nigeria has not been left behind in terms of research output, as universities and research institutes continue to produce ground-breaking findings.
“Yet, many of the discoveries remain locked away in technical journals, inaccessible to industries, policymakers and citizens who need them the most,” he added.
President of AUST, Prof. Azikiwe Onwualu, said the conference would help strengthen partnerships among stakeholders in the sector.
He said it was convened to change public perception about research in higher institutions and institutes, while ensuring that findings were used for business and government development purposes.
Onwualu added that the forum would amplify the importance of research and development by bringing findings to the forefront, while also promoting collaboration and commercialisation of outcomes to drive national progress. (NAN)
Edited by Uche Anunne
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