A Virologist, Prof Oyewale Tomori, has urged Federal Government to invest massively in science and technology to solve societal issues, improve the quality of life and reduce poverty in the country.
Tomori made the call while speaking at the 8th Distinguished Public Lecture of the Federal University Lokoja (FUL) on Thursday.
Speaking on the theme, “the Conflicting Confluence of Science and Society”, the Don said science solve societal issues improve quality of life, and answers questions that relate to mysteries of the universe.
The erudite professor stressed that investment in science and technology would contribute to knowledge production, driving innovation and help the country to compete in the global economy, and contribute to the functioning of democracies.
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 would reduce poverty in the country.
The scholar also urged Nigeria’s tertiary institutions to make their various research works into workable documents for government to use as road map to enhance the development of the country.
Tomori said the success of some research works were being hampered by poor mentorship, studies not focused on solving national problems, and insufficient adherence to merit in assessment of research proposals.
He added that poor management and misuse of research funds, apathy and failure to make returns on received grants also affect accessing funds.
Tomori noted that the underdevelopment of Nigeria was partly contributed by its Scientists who failed to proffer durable solutions to end the socio- economic problems confronting the nation.
He 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 its yearly budgets.
He said Nigeria remains underdeveloped because it was either the 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.
Tomori, who was the former Vice Chancellor of Redeemers’ University, restated that the only way out of underdevelopment was through science and technology.
He stressed that the advanced countries who invested heavily on science reap the gains of developments, prosperity and food sufficiency while countries who refused to invest in science are reaping poverty, squalor and diseases.
“No nation, except Nigeria which has attempted to sidetrack developing science and technology and tailoring it to her needs.
“Nigeria has taken a shortcut by importing other peoples finished technology, and calling it transfer of technology.
“Nigeria imports complete knocked down parts of vehicles, and appoints a Nigerian Executive Managing Director to oversee the screwing together of these parts,”‘Tomori said.
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Lokoja, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi, said the lecture fundamentally aimed 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.
“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.
“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” Akinwumi said.