Nigeria eyes science as new economic engine

The Science Practitioners Association of Nigeria (SPAN) has set a new national agenda to make science and laboratory development the cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic transformation, as the country seeks to position innovation and research as key growth drivers.

This is even as SPAN has unveiled SPANInnovate 2025, a flagship national conference and exhibition, aimed at bridging the gap between innovation and implementation by uniting government, academia, industry, and research stakeholders to drive measurable scientific progress in Nigeria.

Kate Isa, SPAN’s president and CEO of The Katchey Group, said the association is determined to make science and laboratory development the cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic transformation.

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“At SPAN, we believe that science is not just the foundation of technology but it is the bedrock of every sustainable economy. If Nigeria must compete globally and achieve true self-reliance, science and laboratory development must take centre stage in policy, investment, and national planning.”

Isa announced that SPANInnovate 2025 has already secured institutional support from key national and regulatory bodies including the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), the Science Teachers Association of Nigeria (STAN), and the Institute of Public Analysts of Nigeria (IPAN).

She also revealed that the PVAC National Coordinator, Abdu Mukhtar, will flag off the conference and lead the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between PVAC and SPAN cementing a partnership aimed at unlocking Nigeria’s healthcare and science value chains.

“These collaborations reflect our collective resolve to build a science-driven economy, the one where innovation is not just celebrated, but applied to solve real national challenges,” Isa added.

SPANInnovate 2025, themed ‘Science, Laboratory, and Sustainable National Development’ is a four-day event that will feature high-level conferences, expert panels, masterclasses, networking sessions, and an exhibition of cutting-edge laboratory technologies.

Manufacturers and innovators are expected to showcase next-generation products, with attendees enjoying exclusive discounts of up to 40 percent during the exhibition.

Isa also spotlighted The Katchey Group’s role in strengthening Nigeria’s research ecosystem, citing partnerships with universities including the Federal University of Technology (under the Africa Centre of Excellence initiative), which her firm has equipped with advanced laboratories.

“Without quality products, your research is a waste of time. We support these universities with top-quality laboratory equipment and training. “Our goal is to help them achieve international accreditation so their research meets global standards and generates local revenue. This way, we are activating centres of excellence across Nigeria and ensuring that researchers have hands-on exposure to modern science,” she said.

Tunde Lawal, managing director of Turner Wright Biosciences Ltd and a veterinarian by training, reiterated that SPAN’s focus is on collaboration and self-regulation within Nigeria’s science sector.
“Science is universal, whether in the lab or in life sciences. For years, there were overlapping interests between regulators and practitioners, but SPAN is changing that by promoting collaboration and self-regulation.

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“Our president’s passion and leadership are the driving force behind this renewed unity in the science community. If we continue on this path, not even the sky can limit what we can achieve,” he said.

Uzomba Nwojie, chairman of Finlab, emphasised the practical nature of science and the critical role of laboratories in protecting citizens and the environment.

“Science is not something you preach, it is practical. Laboratories safeguard our nations by verifying the safety of the food we eat, the drugs we take, and the chemicals we use. “We must build and enforce the rules that make science sustainable and credible. That is why this association exists to make sure things are done the right way,” Nwojie said.

Nwojie also commended SPAN for setting a new precedent through the annual conference, saying each edition builds on the success of the last.
“Next year’s event will be even better,” he said. “This initiative will spread like wildfire across the country because real change begins when scientists and not just politicians drive national progress.”

Sonola Ola, vice president of SPAN and CEO of One Network, called on Nigerians to participate actively in the event, noting that implementation remains the biggest challenge in the country’s scientific journey.
“Wherever we are in science and technology, we must be ready to act. Implementation is always the issue, but now is the time to start. We are sowing the seed with SPANInnovate 2025. The results will shape the future of science and innovation in Nigeria,” he noted.