Categories: Latest News

NNMDA DG laments lack of support for Nigeria’s research institutions

Director-General of the Nigerian Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA), Professor Martin Emeje, has attributed the lack of support from both the government and private sectors to the current state of research institutions in the country.

In a chat with Tribune Online yesterday, Professor Emeje said the support system and mentality of African scientists also contributed.

According to him, Nigeria is rich in natural resources; Hence, there is no reason to import any health products, but the importation of virtually everything and, therefore, become the market for countries that take their scientists seriously.

He, however, stated that there will be an unequal opportunity for the institutions to thrive where support exists, especially from the government.

“There’s absolutely nothing wrong with Nigerian Research Institutions per se, rather, the problem is with the support system and mentality of African scientists who have either turned themselves into modern slaves or deliberately chose to undermine their own country.

“Nigeria is rich in natural resources, so much so that we have no reason to import any health products, but what do you see today? Importation of virtually everything, so we have become the market for countries that take their scientists seriously.

“Look how many rich men and women are in Nigeria. Can you mention the world’s richest people without mentioning some Nigerians? Is the richest blackman on earth not a Nigerian? But how has this translated into support for R&D? In other parts of the world, philanthropists provide huge support for R&D, foundations, faith-based organizations, families, industries, as well as governments provide huge support to R&D.

“But, this doesn’t happen in Nigeria, instead, everybody has PhD in criticism. So, the problem with our research institutions is majorly due to a lack of support from both the government and the private sectors.

“Where the support exists, especially from the government, there’s an unequal opportunity for the institutions to thrive,” he said.

Segun Kasali

Recent Posts

FCT: Police arrest suspected online recruitment scammer

"the suspect allegedly exploited this false identity to promote a fictitious Police recruitment exercise, fraudulently…

3 minutes ago

NHIA begins checks on HMOs over ‘one hour’ patient waiting time directive

To measure and ensure compliance with the directive in the FCT, an NHIA Assessment/ Enforcement…

14 minutes ago

Gov Inuwa mourns retired High Court Judge, Justice Idi Apollos

"Justice Paul Apollos was not only an accomplished legal mind but also a close friend…

22 minutes ago

Sokoto: BUA Cement, host communities sign development agreement

“This document represents our promise to carry along the interests of our people and to…

35 minutes ago

Osun communal clashes: Islamic scholar urges warring communities to embrace peace

He specifically charged the traditional rulers of the three towns to give peace a chance…

41 minutes ago

Ogun govt flags off special agro industrial processing zones

"Ogun State is promoting Cassava, Rice, Cocoa, Oil Palm and Timber while nine Local Government…

54 minutes ago

Welcome

Install

This website uses cookies.