FG Reaffirms Commitment to Research, Innovation at UDUTH Conference
The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to promoting research, innovation, and skills acquisition as critical drivers in addressing poverty, climate change, and food insecurity in Nigeria.
Minister of State for Humanitarian and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Tanko Sununu, gave the assurance on Saturday at the third Annual Scientific Conference and Alumni General Meeting of the College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUTH).
The event was held at the institution’s College of Health Sciences Auditorium.
Sununu stressed that no nation could achieve sustainable growth and development without prioritising research and innovation.
According to him, strategic investments in research not only advance knowledge but also have practical impacts on livelihoods, food systems, and economic resilience.
The minister, who previously served in the House of Representatives, cited his legislative experience in advocating for improved funding for research institutions.
He recalled how sustained investment transformed the National Institute of Medical Research, which initially received just $200,000 in grants but, through deliberate government and donor support, was able to attract $6 million in a single year.
“When you invest in research, you generate more resources, create jobs, and reduce reliance on imports. Research must address our local realities, from climate-resilient crops to livestock breeds resistant to disease, so that our findings can be applied for national growth,” he said.
Sununu further charged universities and research institutions to align their work with Nigeria’s developmental needs, particularly in agriculture, health, and environmental sustainability. He added that innovative solutions emerging from academia must be commercialised and mainstreamed into government policy to maximise impact.
He commended the College of Health Sciences, UDUTH, for sustaining its tradition of scientific inquiry and alumni engagement, noting that such platforms were vital for knowledge exchange and capacity building.
The conference brought together academics, researchers, health practitioners, and alumni to deliberate on emerging scientific issues and strategies for improving healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
