Inadequate research funding and Nigeria’s digital economy

Many international agencies’ reports have suggested that Nigeria has a low number of researchers relative to its population. According to UNESCO data, there are 38.8 researchers in Nigeria per million of the population, substantially less than the average figure for other low-income countries (63.2 researchers per million) and far below the African average (95 per […]

Many international agencies’ reports have suggested that Nigeria has a low number of researchers relative to its population. According to UNESCO data, there are 38.8 researchers in Nigeria per million of the population, substantially less than the average figure for other low-income countries (63.2 researchers per million) and far below the African average (95 per million). UNESCO data from 2007 indicated that the majority of Nigerian researchers were employed in higher education (80.4%) with the remaining 19.6% employed by the Nigerian.

Government. No researchers however were employed in the business or non-profit sectors, which may raise questions regarding the quality of data reported by UNESCO.

However, some analysts said low level of researchers and innovators in the country may be due mainly to lack or inadequate research funding.

Research funding, according the National Science Technology and Innovation (NSTI) Policy, is the responsibility of the Nigerian government. And analysts have said government had not been enough on this.

We’re creating stable economy, says finance minister

BUA to build 700 tons per day mini LNG project

The NSTI report (NSTIR) 2030 estimates the total funding need for research and innovation in the country at N180 billion ($497 million) over three years, or an average of NGN60 billion a year.

The sum is broken down as follows: N25 billion for facilitating researchers’ contribution to economic growth; N30 billion for STI infrastructure improvement; N40 billion for R&D intensification; N6 billion for training and talent development; N36 billion for technology development and commercialization; N10.5 billion for science literacy and stakeholder engagement (including the establishment of a science museum); N2.5 billion for system, monitoring, evaluation and improvement.

But when looking at the combination of STI funding from public and private sources in the country, the picture is not  much better. In 2007, UNESCO data shows that Nigeria had a Gross domestic Expenditure in Research  and Development (GERD) of 0.2%.In 2011, the government established the National Research and  Innovation Fund (NRIF) with the aim of providing a minimum funding level 1% of GDP from government allocations, public-private Partnership, international sources and private investments – in line with the 1% target set by the African Union.

Though FG allocates billions of naira in the annual budget to some of its ministries annually for research, but despite this, funding for research is reportedly still insufficient. The country’s extensive network of research organisations, comprising publicly and privately funded organisations, are complaining of inadequate funding.

Speaking with Daily Trust yesterday, a Lagos based civil engineer, Alabi Oreoluwa said lack of funding is the primary reason for a slump in research activities in Nigeria.

According to other experts, this explains why, after almost a century of academic knowledge generation in higher education institutions in Nigeria, many scientific and technological breakthrough still remains rare. A study said a lack of interest from policy-makers is a reason for the limited research funding. Instead, researchers use their salaries to conduct research, publish articles and to attend conferences. Consequently, they lack motivation and training to do research, and this could hinder the country’s achievement of stable digital economy and sustainable development goals.

Multiple streams of funding

While the little efforts of Nigerian government and international donors in funding research and innovation are commendable, experts said there is a need for multiple streams of funding.

It was the AstraZeneca pharmaceutical company that funded or partly funded the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine we are using today. Pfizer also funded its own vaccine. Private firms should be ready to fund research in Nigeria too, Oreoluwa said.

Delta -2 Projects:  NASENI signs $21.7m agreement implementation with 11 companies

The National Agency For Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has signed the agreements for the implementation of Delta- 2 Projects worth of $21.7million with 11 companies under the Nigeria -Czech bilateral cooperation.

Speaking at the event, the executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, National Agency for Science and Technology Infrastructure (NASENI), Mr Khalil Suleiman Halilu, stated that Delta-2 project is a very important project because the first letter he got from the president is to give update and way forward on the program.

The Delta-2 project is a 21 million dollar bilateral collaboration between the Federal Government, represented by NASENI and Czech Republic, represented by Technology Agency of Czech Republic.

The Delta-2 program launched in 2001, has been designed with the aim of funding and enabling research development and innovation in three focus areas. The areas are Agriculture, Mining and general manufacturing for Small and medium enterprises.

“Of the 21.7 million dollars set aside to finance the selected projects, TACR is contributing 11.7 million dollars while NASENI is contributing 10 million dollars.”

Halilu  noted that the calls for submission of applications went out and a very robust screening process took place between 2002 and 2003, with the emergency of Eleven projects that will be funded in the first face of the program, full details of beneficiaries of the projects and funding arrangements will come from the chairman of the Presidential Implementation Committee (PIC), on the technology transfer, Dr Mohammed Dahiru.

I’m his remarks,Chairman Presidential Implementation committee, Dr. Dahiru Muhammed said the distribution of the beneficiaries of the awards spans across the country, having all zones represented.

According to him ,”The funds are ready and we eagerly look forward to starting implementation in January 2024.The funding of the projects is scheduled to last between 12 to 36 months.

“The outputs of the projects are expected to yield patents, pilot plants, proven technologies, software, certified methodologies, processes and specialized maps, and databases, among others.

“It is expected that the outcomes of the various projects will have a direct and immediate positive impact on the average Nigerian farmers, miners and MSME operators.

“The resulting technologies from these collaborations will be transferred and domesticated in Nigeria through NASENI and other research institutions and private companies as planned.

“Today is the award ceremony and the signing of the agreement for the implementation of the eleven (11) Delta 2 projects that have excelled after the rigorous evaluation process.”

FG graduates 12 female entrepreneurs

The Federal Government has certified 12 young female entrepreneurs, calling for more involvement of Nigerian female youth in information technology and entrepreneurship.

The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mallam Kashifu Inuwa, made the call Abuja at the closing ceremony of the NITDA Female Founder Training held at the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, (NCAIR) on Thursday in Abuja, where the 12 young females were awarded certificates.

Over 7,000 Women Tech Founders registered to participate in the maiden training programme within two weeks of the exercise in partnership with the Office for Nigeria Digital Innovation (ONDI) and other partners.

Represented by his Special Adviser, Hajiya Iklima Musa, Mallam Inuwa said no stone would be left unturned towards mainstreaming women tech entrepreneurs into the nation’s digital innovation and technology development.

“I am thrilled to be a part of this historic landmark. Today marks a momentous occasion as we conclude the maiden edition of our impactful Female Founders Training programme with the theme “A Journey to Launch and Scale Successful Businesses”.

“For us at NITDA, this initiative embodies a vision close to our hearts supporting and empowering the women of Nigeria to harness digital technologies for the creation of viable and scalable businesses.

The training programme is a celebration of innovation, dedicated to discovering and showcasing ingenious technology-based concepts, ideas, and solutions crafted by the talented women of Nigeria. Our overarching goal is to bridge gender disparities in the technology industry and pave the way for increased digital employment opportunities for women.

“From the day we warmly welcomed our 12 carefully chosen participants, each representing a geopolitical zone, your palpable passion and willingness to learn set an inspiring tone. Over the past two weeks, you have delved into a wealth of knowledge, navigating the intricacies of successful technology ventures -from product development to marketing strategies and financial management,” Inuwa said.

He noted that the programme aligns seamlessly with two key priorities of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda investing in the digital economy to empower Nigerians with new skills and jobs, and driving women’s empowerment across all facets of life.

He said, “As you carry your newfound knowledge back to your communities, I am confident it will create a ripple effect, inspiring more women to unlock their potential as technology entrepreneurs. Our commitment to supporting your endeavors, be it through access to finance, programme desk officers, or markets, remains unwavering.