By Wuraola OyedokunÂ
The Vice Chancellor, KolaDaisi University, Ibadan {KDU-I}, Prof. Adeniyi Olatunbosun; a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Science {NAS}, Prof. Adekunle Bakare; the Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences of KDU-I, Â Prof. Timothy Odiaka and Prof. Olajumoke Morenikeji of the Faculty of Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, on Monday, called on the government to pay more committed attention to the adequate funding of education and scientific research for sustainable development of the country.
The scholars, who spoke  during the first Distinguished Lecture of the Faculty of Applied Sciences of the KDU-l with the theme: “Strengthening Scientific Research for Sustainable Development in Nigeria”, decried low research and  education funding in the country.
Students of many secondary schools graced the event. Among whom were Abadina Grammar School, UI; Command Day Secondary School, Mokola, Ibadan ; Emmanuel Grammar School , Orita, Ibadan ; the International School, Ibadan; Abadina College, Ibadan; Methodist Grammar School, Bodija, Ibadan; Maverick College, Ibadan and others.
Prof. Bakare, who was the guest lecturer, pointed out that problems facing scientific research in Nigeria included inadequate funding, deficiency in competent research personnel, lack of adequate skills in contemporary scientific methods, lack of linkages between research and industry and others.
Bakare, who is of the Department of Zoology of the premier university, said: ‘’Problems facing scientific research in Nigeria include inadequate funding, deficiency in competent research personnel , lack of adequate skills in contemporary scientific methods, lack of linkages between research and industry.
‘’The government must show a serious commitment to funding research. Sustainable funding is an essential requirement. Nigeria must increase the budgetary allocation to fund science and research annually from the current 0.14 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product to at least one per cent in the next 10 years.  There is a need for deepening national commitment to scientific research. The young researchers must be incentivized through sponsorship for post-graduate programmes. There is a need for partnership and collaboration from within and outside the country for competitiveness’’.
The VC said: ‘’There is a need for the government to be more involved in the funding of education generally in Nigeria at all levels – primary, secondary and tertiary institutions. This is because it is with proper funding and support for educational institutions that we can attain development and growth in the system. In spite of the challenges facing the nation, there is still a need for the government to put in more of their effort in ensuring that they secure the environment and the sector through proper funding.
‘’So, I will call on the government at all levels to devote a substantial part of their budget in supporting education. Also, all stakeholders in the private sector who are the proprietors of institutions should do more in ensuring that the educational sector is supported financially so as to be able to attain greater development and for a sustainable development approach’’.
The Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences, Prof. Tim Odiaka who spoke on the theme : “What on Earth is not Chemistry?”, urged the students to take interest in Chemistry.
Odiaka  added that the subject permeates many sectors including soap making, pharmaceutical companies, explosive industries, petroleum refining and others.
On her part, Prof. Morenikeji of the Faculty of Science, University of Ibadan, said: ‘’The Federal Government is not funding research enough. What we need for research is not even there. There is no equipment. There is no power supply. There is no funding. There is no support. At the university you are just on your own. The Nigerian government needs to support research, so that we can have achievements and sustainability.  The whole educational system needs overhauling’’.
Earlier, the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Margaret Innocent had earlier explained why KDU-I is one of the best private institutions in Nigeria.
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