Tackle poverty with homegrown innovation, FG tells scientists
The Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Tanko Sununu, has urged Nigerian scientists and researchers to develop homegrown innovations to address poverty, healthcare challenges, and underdevelopment across the country. Dr Sununu made this call while speaking at the 3rd Annual Scientific Conference and Alumni Meeting organised by the College of Health […]
The Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Tanko Sununu, has urged Nigerian scientists and researchers to develop homegrown innovations to address poverty, healthcare challenges, and underdevelopment across the country.
Dr Sununu made this call while speaking at the 3rd Annual Scientific Conference and Alumni Meeting organised by the College of Health Sciences (CHS), Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto (UDUS).
He emphasised that research must be practical and community-driven, aiming to solve pressing socio-economic issues rather than remaining purely academic.
He stressed the importance of technology application, skills acquisition, and climate-smart solutions in tackling the root causes of poverty.
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According to him, well-directed research can boost agricultural productivity, improve livestock farming, enhance rural healthcare delivery, and foster climate change adaptation.
The minister also commended UDUS for its commitment to both scientific and non-scientific research.
He particularly praised the institution’s role in bridging the gap between research and policy, ensuring that findings are translated into actionable development programs.
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Shaibu Oricha-Bello, former CHS Provost, described research and innovation as critical drivers for unlocking Nigeria’s human and environmental potential.
He urged stakeholders to invest in collaborative approaches that promote sustainable development and health equity.
In his presentation titled “Leveraging Technology and Indigenous Knowledge for Improved Health Outcomes,” Director of the One Health Institute, Dr. Bello Magaji Arkilla, advocated for the deliberate integration of traditional healing practices with modern medical technology, particularly to address the health needs of rural populations.
Dr. Arkilla highlighted the urgent need for digital documentation of indigenous medical practices, including local herbs and traditional treatment methods.
He proposed the creation of a secure, culturally respectful database that would allow for scientific validation of traditional remedies, preserving useful knowledge while promoting safety and evidence-based care.
The current Provost of the college, Prof. Abdulgafar Jimoh, reaffirmed the college’s leadership in health professional training and clinical research, noting that it hosts Nigeria’s largest PhD program in clinical sciences.
He highlighted the college’s success in high-impact medical procedures, including kidney transplants conducted in Sokoto.