There is a consensus that Nigeria underfunds research and innovation. This view is emphasized in an interview with Prof. Peter Okebukola, a former executive secretary of the National Universities Commission. He stated that African universities are on the lowest rung of research and innovation due to underfunding. Perhaps, the recent appeal of the Academic Staff Union of Research Institutions to the Federal Government to use part of the COVID 19 donations to fund health research institutions puts credence to that position.
A review of Nigeria’s 2020 Appropriation Bill by DATAPHYTE indicates that Nigeria earmarks a certain portion of its budget to research and development. In just five sectors, for example, more than ₦111.2 bn was budgeted for research and development in 2020.
Realities across the world are pointing to the need for innovative research and research-based policy decisions. For instance, research outcomes have aided coping measures on COVID 19 and have also contributed to the increasing hope of human survival. But the pandemic has also shown the urgent need for innovativeness in a competitive demand situation.
While the Nigerian government is in desperate need of testing kits, reports say Senegalese scientists have developed a cost-effective COVID 19 testing kit as well as a ventilator that cost only $60. In Ghana, researchers have also developed a rapid diagnostic COVID-19 test kit to aid quicker diagnosis.
Beyond the immediate response to the pandemic is a possible option of commoditization of this research product thus aiding revenue generation. For example, Senegal has hinted on gearing up production of COVID 19 kits for domestic use and export business.
2020 Budget for Research and Innovation
The earmarked fund for research in the five sectors reflects Nigeria’s priority and preference in research. In the identified sectors, over half of the total innovation fund is committed to agriculture. More research investment is made on industry, trade and investment than on science and technology. Very little is committed to education research, perhaps justifying the claim that universities have minimal research funds.
Broken down, the 2020 budget for the about ₦56.5bn was dedicated to agriculture research, ₦26.5bn to research in the Industry, Trade and Investment sector, ₦24.7 to science and technology, ₦2bn to education research, and ₦1.5bn to power sector research. These funds are under different tags such as research and development, Olympiads, and science competitions.
Outside the concern on the inadequacy of the research fund, is the bigger question. It is about the utilization of these funds. For example, with about ₦56.5bn on agricultural research, more can be done. Similarly, the ₦26.5bn research fund for Industry, Trade and Investment should yield outputs and results that will, in turn, stir revenue generation to the country.
Perhaps it is time for the government to deploy these funds to research on the novel coronavirus. Deliverables for this research should include indigenous policy solutions, testing kits, medical equipment. Other critical things that can help the government in its COVID 19 containment measures. Inter-sector collaboration can be promoted both in funds management as well as in research effort.
Beyond COVID, the Nigerian government should prepare itself to commit more to research. Also, research funds should be met with commensurate and tangible research outcomes. Universities and other research institutions should also be empowered to develop top-notch research products. Accountability should also be promoted in the use of research funds.