Nigeria needs to prioritise research for effective internal security, say ex-UNILAG VC, others

The immediate past vice chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, Professor  Oluwatoyin Ogundipe; his successor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola and the rector of Yaba College of Technology(YABATECH), Dr Ibrahim Abdul, among others, have stressed the roles research could play in tackling Nigeria’s internal security challenges.

They said efforts at driving economic growth and development may not yield results if research in internal security that would ensure safety of lives, investment and resources and as infrastructures is not given a deserved priority.

They shared their thoughts and perspectives at this year’s national education summit of the Education Writers Association of Nigeria (EWAN) held in Lagos on Tuesday.

EWAN is a body of journalists across media and related organisations that cover education and related sectors nationwide.

Delivering keynote speech on a theme, ‘Research for national development: Nigeria’s internal security in focus,’ at the annual forum, which is the fourth edition, Prof Ogundipe, said Nigeria had an age-long internal security challenges, attributing resources control competition on land and  water as a major factor.

He said the consequences of this development are numerous, listing stunted economic growth, disunity, low investment particularly by foreign investors, poor foreign relations and diplomacy, low quality of life of the citizens and among others.

Ogundipe, who is the current chairman of the Lagos State Research and Innovation Council, pointed out that, “Analysis and intelligence gathering is important. Using drones, CCTV cameras to monitor situations is necessary.

“Regarding cyber threats, some universities can be given the assignment to set up centres that would tackle that global challenge.”

In their goodwill messages, the Vice Chancellor of UNILAG, Professor Folasade Ogunsola; Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr Jamiu Alli-Balogun, who was represented by the Director of Lagos Education Resource Centre, Mrs Akinlade Omolayo and the Chairperson, Nigeria Labour Congress, Lagos State Chapter, Mrs Funmilayo Sessi, opined that security is a collective responsibility, commending EWAN for coming up with proactive discussions in that regard.

In his welcome address, the Chairman of EWAN and head of the development desk at Premium Times, Mr Mojeed Alabi, said the essence of the summit is to demonstrate the best way and how research works both in the academic and non-academic circles can substantially help in bringing solution to myriads of internal security challenges that Nigerian people and the country have been grappling with over the years.

According to him, EWAN believes that researchers, policy makers, academia and industry players can use the summit to share their thoughts and perspectives towards achieving the objective.

He, however, promised that EWAN would continue to advocate for quality of life for not only Nigerians but also other nationals residing in the country.

Interestingly, the summit had three sessions that looked into specific issues raised.

The first session, moderated by veteran broadcaster, Mrs Bimbo Oloyede, had representatives of the Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, on the panel that discussed Ogundipe›s paper.

The second session with the theme, ‘Financial Security and Future of Banking in Nigeria, WNat needs from rResearchers,’ was sponsored by UBA Plc and had representative of the Group MD\CEO, UBA Plc, Mr Oliver Alawuba in attendance as well as Dr Ayodeji Ajibade from Babcock University, Ilisan Remo and Dr Nureni Azeez from UNILAG as panelists.

The third session had the theme, ‘Food Security, Health Safety and Environmental Sustainability: What Nexus? Researchers› Perspectives› had Professor Taibat Olaitan Lawanson and former vice chancellor of Lagos State University, Ojo, Prof Olanrewaju Fagbohun, as speakers.