Prioritise science education to transform universities into engines of innovation – Expert urges FG
Olalekan Salawu of the Federal University, Lokoja (FUL), has called on the Federal Government to re-image Nigeria where scientific legacy gleams not with the rust of neglect, but with the brilliance of progress, saying that prioritising science education would transform Nigerian universities into engines of innovation.
Salawu, a professor of Inorganic Chemistry, made the call while delivering the 33rd Inaugural Lecture of the university over the weekend in Lokoja, with the title “Èròjà ìṣèmí tó fárasín: Bí àpapọ̀ àwọn èròjà àkérèlójú (bíntìn) ṣe ń ṣíṣe ìṣèmí,” translated as “Hidden Recipe for Life: How Tiny Complex Compounds Run the Show”.
“Government must commit to science authentically, move beyond empty promises, allocate budgets transparently and prioritize research in national agendas.
“It should establish Regional Advanced Laboratories, with at least one cutting edge research hub per geopolitical zone, equipped with state-of-the-art instruments accessible to all institutions,” he urged.
Salawu also urged the government to establish Targeted Intervention Funds for direct resources to revitalise basic science departments to ensure that universities had the tools for both teaching and research works.
“Science thrives on openness, adding that publicly funded research should remain in the public domain, subject to peer review and free from secrecy.
“Science is not mysticism. It demands rigor, transparency and collective effort.
“The time for change is now. Let us rebuild Nigeria’s scientific landscape into one that inspires innovation, fuels progress, and secures our place on the global stage.
“Are today’s chemistry graduates equipped with the same rigour and expertise as those of decades past? Regrettably, the answer is no.
“The decline stems from systemic issues: out -dated laboratories, starved funding, overcrowded classrooms, and students who enter the field reluctantly – often because chemistry was not their chosen path”.
He pointed out that overcrowding stifles effective teaching and hands-on experience, as he tasked the Institute of Chartered Chemists of Nigeria (ICCON) to standardise training, mirroring the role of bodies like Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria for the engineering profession.
He tasked universities to rebuild crumbling infrastructure into citadels of discovery.
Earlier in his welcome address, Olayemi Akinwumi, vice chancellor, FUL, described the lecture as profound and symbolic, as he urged academics and students to draw inspiration from Salawu’s journey, creativity, and dedication to innovate more, and contribute meaningfully to advancing science and society.
