harnessing science and technology research results for sustainable national development

8/8/2019 Harnessing Science and Technology Research Results for Sustainable National Development

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Harnessing Science &Technology Research

Results for SustainableNational Development

The Nigerian Academy of Science

Professor Oye Ibidapo-Obe FAS,FAEng, FTWAS, OFR

President, The Nigerian Academy of Science& Former Vice Chancellor, UNILAG, Nigeria

Presentation at 2010 S&T Summit (9-10, Aug. 2010)


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Outline of Presentation Introduction

The Nigerian Vision 20:2020

Science, technology and innovation


The issues and challenges Conclusion(s)


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Introduction From universities and research institutes to the

market place Doctoral theses from Unilag (1971-2008):

.

20-21 new innovations per annum from Unilag =2,500 new science research results fromNigerian universities and 5,000 from researchinstitutes

The ICT revolution



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Introduction Nigerian World

Ranking Knowledge societies rule the world G8,

G20 etc

Nigerias ranking on Knowledge Index =

On Global Competitiveness Nigeriaranked 95th of 129 countries

Time for fundamental changes in how wethink and act to achieve Vision 20:2020!



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The Nigerian Vision 20:2020 - A Be one of worlds 20 largest economies by

2020 based on remarkable potentials: Population of 150million

. Proven resourceful people

8th largest oil exporter

6th largest producer of gas 34 different minerals

Rich arable land and friendly climateThe Nigerian Academy of Science


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The Nigerian Vision 20:2020 - B Assumptions underlying the Vision:

GDP growth from 3.5% (2009) to 7% (2015)to 13.5% (2020)

2020 (using $2/day)

Power supply increase from 3000MW to

50,000MW in 2020 However, significant investments in S&T

education leads to innovationsThe Nigerian Academy of Science


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The Nigerian Vision 20:2020 - C Need for leadership Yes! We can attitude and

work together Need to strengthen STEM (science, technology,

en ineerin and maths education

Vision 20:2020 doc education free at primaryand secondary levels by 2003 and 2009respectively, 26% or more of national budget to

education

More than visions, time to implement - e.g. NRF



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Science, Technology and

Innovation (STI) STI more than traditional sciences but includes

humanities In the final analysis, it is basically the mastery

and utilization of modern S&T that distin uishes

the south from the north Abdul-Salam (1979Nobel Laureate)

Need to develop capacity for processing

mineral/agric products Metrics for determining knowledge economies

GDP, R&D expenditure, patents, electricity etcThe Nigerian Academy of Science


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Innovation (STI) - B For example need to achieve 1,000W per

capita STI results Japanese post World War II

economic ex ansion, Teknion Universit &

Weizmann Institute in Israel, China etc Sound scientific knowledge fundamental to

addressing economic transformation bio-fuels,

embryonic stem cells, GM crops etc Knowledge accumulation accelerated by ICT



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Innovation (STI) - C Targeted R&D needed to fast-track developing

economies Reverse engineering research institutes

rovide roadma to circumvent roadblocks to

indigenous technology enhancement(NASENI) National S&T strategy consult

NAS(NACETEM)

Change from consumer to producer nation WTO GATT Agreements, WMO MontrealProtocols reviewed



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Strategies and Challenges STI vision: to build and STI system that will

drive a competitive knowledge economy towards20-2020

1st Strate build science-based workforce:

Share of manufacturing in GDP to increasefrom 4%(2009) to 20%(2015)

Productivity improvement of 25% by 2015 and50% by 2020



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Strategies and Challenges - B 2nd Strategy forge national innovation system

encompassing existing and new STI institutions: 5% of R&D patentable by 2015 (50,000

a s. and 20% b 2020 100,000 a s.

30% of patentable R&D commercialized by2015 and 50% by 2020

Expected increase in investments (public /private) in R&D activities to 1.6% by 2010



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Strategies and Challenges - C 3rd strategy engender culture of STI in society

Improve emoluments of S&T professionals Pre-1980 policy of enhanced scholarships to

4th strategy govt. commitment through creationof National Foundation for Science, Innovationand Competitiveness

Also national awareness of S&T in populace

Reinforce strong academic background



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Strategies and Challenges - D Other strategies:

Emerging technologies (biotech, nanotech) Develop renewable energy sources

-

Promote value addition to agro, mineral&petroleum resources

Optimize use of research facilities & humans Enhanced IT capability

Dev. of indigenous & orthodox medicineThe Nigerian Academy of Science


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Strategies and Challenges - E Challenges against NV 20:2020 include:

Lack of political will policy inconsistency No STI-supporting infrastructure

Activities/scope of R&D institutions limited

Non-identification of areas of comparative

advantages No linkages between R&D, & manufacturing

Inhibiting cultural practices & superstitionThe Nigerian Academy of Science


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Strategies and Challenges - F General national challenges lack of confidence

in govt.s ability to provide human security Challenges point to need to deploy STI tools to

combat overt

Core values of research institutes must includeexcellence, transparency, integrity, merit &relevance

Best practices evolving institutionalaccreditation



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Conclusion(s) Wealth of nation measured by inherentknowledge

Research institutes, universities & Academy key role

with an agenda

Challenges to NV 20:2020 can be overcomethrough S&T

Build capacity for appropriate technologies merit-based system



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References1. Nigeria Vision 2020 Economic Transformation

Blueprint. National Planning Commission. September2009.

2. O. Ibidapo-Obe. Renewing the World Bank Strategy for.

Bank, Abuja. June 7, 2010.

3. Alfred Watkins. Science, Technology and InnovationCapacity Building Partnerships for Sustainable

Development. Draft Document on Global Forum ActionPlan. Washington DC. May 28, 2010.



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References - B4. O. Ibidapo-Obe. The Power Sector in Nigeria

Challenges and Possible Solutions. The NigerianAcademy of Science Media Forum. March 10, 2009.

5. Nosa O. Egiebor. Science and technology capacity.

at AUST, Abuja. June 4, 2010.

6. Cisse, Boubou. The position of AUST on the World BankAAP tertiary education, human capital formation and

development. Abuja. May 4, 2010



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