By; ADAMA JOHN, Lokoja
An internationally acclaimed Virologist, Prof Oyewale Tomori has attributed the underdevelopment of Nigeria by it’s Scientists who has failed to proffer durable solutions to end the socio- economic problems confronting the nation.
Speaking at the 8th Distinguished Public Lecture of the Federal University, Lokoja on Thursday, Prof. Tomori expressed sadness that 64 years after political independence, Nigeria was still crawling economically and had to often times go to borrow from western countries inorder to service it’s yearly budgets.
He said that Nigeria remains an underdeveloped nation because it is either its Scientists in the country were yet to find right answers to the national problems or they failed to comvince the policy makers, politicians that the quandruplets of science, research, innovations and development are inseparable.
The Speaker who harped on the theme ” the Conflicting Confluence of Science and Society”, said Science Solves societal issues, improves the quality of life and answers questions that relate to mysteries of the universe.
It also contributes to knowledge production, driving innovation and helps countries compete in the global economy and Contribute to the functioning of democracies.
The former vice chancellor of Redeemers’ University said , the only way out of underdevelopment was through science and technology stressing that advanced countries that invested heavily on science are comfortably reaping the gains of developments, prosperity and food sufficiency.
According to him the direct antithesis is what obtains in counties that refused to invest in science that are reaping poverty , squalor and diseases in revise gear.
In his words: “No nation, except Nigeria which has attempted to sidetrack developing science and technology and tailoring it to her needs.
A disturbed Prof. Tomori observed that Nigeria has taken a shortcut by importing other peoples finished technology and refer to it as transfer of technology.
According to him, “Nigeria imports complete knocked down parts of vehicles and appoints a Nigerian Executive Managing Director to oversee the screwing together of these parts”
While urging the federal government to invest heavily on science and technology, he also implore tertiary institutions in the country to make their various research works into workable documents for government to use as road map to enhance the development of the country.
He regretted that success of some research works are being hampered by poor mentorship, studies not focused on solving national problems, insufficient adherence to merit in assessment of research proposals, poor management and misuse of research funds while apathy and failure to make returns on received grants also affect accessing funds.
He therefore urged the federal government to stop paying lip service to the issue of science and technology and deplore sufficient resources to provide appropriate technology that will reduce poverty in the country.
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Lokoja, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi said “the lecturefundamentally aims to foster a culture of intellectual curiosity and rigorous academic discourse.
“By inviting eminent scholars and thought leaders to share their insights on pressing issues, we strive to bridge the gap between academia and society” he said.
“These lectures are not merely academic exercises; they are opportunities for us to engage with new ideas, challenge our thinking and inspire innovation and progress within our community” he assured.
“We believe that we have a vital role to play in addressing societal challenges. These lectures provide an opportunity to engage with pressing issues, sparking conversations that can lead to meaningful change” he added.
