A Professor of Chemistry in Nigeria says the establishment of key research laboratories in each geopolitical zone, where advanced equipment would be available for use by scientists, will inspire rapid technological development.

Delivering the 130th Inaugural Lecture of the University of Ilorin in Kwara State on the topic "The Heart of Science in the Service of Man", Professor Folahan Abdulwahid Adekola noted that the positive impact of the establishment of key research laboratories on the economy and quality of research in countries like China, South Africa, India and Pakistan, was evident for all and sundry.

Precursor for development
The University of Ilorin Professor, who has 27 years experience in Analytical and Environmental Chemistry, said that there was the need for paradigm shift in the way research was handled in Nigeria.

“We need to see research as a precursor for development… In order to get good output in research, the inputs must be outstanding. It is important to note that good research practice requires adequate funding and access to state of the art facilities, qualitative supervision and training of both undergraduate and postgraduate students," he said.

Professor Adekola also stressed the need for the Nigerian government to be proactive in the development of solid mineral sector.

According to him, “this will, no doubt, save the significant proportion of the country's hard-earned foreign currencies on importation of refined metals and their products."

"Relevant government agencies, professional bodies and non-governmental organisations should be encouraged to enlighten people on the alternative safer process of mining", Adekola suggested.

Rewarding process policy
He appealed to the government, through the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Federal Ministry of Education to as a national policy institute a rewarding process for motivating productive researchers (academics) who are able to publish in NUC accredited top international research journals in various disciplines and those who are able to supervise successfully masters and doctorate degrees candidates.

Professor Adekola emphasised the need for all universities to be provided with adequate fund for research, teaching and training of postgraduate students.

“Presently, most registered PhD and Masters students are allowed to fend for themselves. This does not augur well for productive research as some of these postgraduate candidates would not put their mind fully into research… I want to recommend that each university should have a postgraduate fellowship scheme in order to attract brilliant postgraduate students," he added.