FG Laments Poor Returns on Research Investments in Nigerian Universities and Polytechnics

The Federal Government of Nigeria has expressed concern over the low economic returns generated from research investments in Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and research institutes despite significant funding allocated to research and development over the years.

The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Kingsley Ude, made this known during a strategic meeting held in Abuja with commissioners of science, technology and innovation from various states across the country.

Speaking at the meeting, the minister said Nigeria has invested considerably in research activities within higher institutions and research centres. However, many of the research outcomes have not translated into tangible economic benefits for the country.

According to him, a large number of research findings produced by scientists and academics remain unused, often stored in laboratories, academic publications, or technical reports without being converted into practical products, services, or businesses that could drive economic development.

He noted that the meeting with state commissioners came at a crucial time as Nigeria seeks to improve the commercialisation of research outputs and strengthen the country’s innovation ecosystem.

Ude explained that modern economies are increasingly driven by the ability to convert knowledge and scientific discoveries into marketable innovations. Countries that have successfully commercialised research have been able to build strong industrial sectors, competitive technology industries and resilient economies.

The minister added that Nigerian scientists and innovators have produced valuable research solutions in critical sectors such as agriculture, renewable energy, biotechnology, digital technology, health sciences, manufacturing and climate resilience.

Despite these achievements, he said many of these innovations have not been fully commercialised, limiting their impact on national development and reducing their potential contribution to economic growth and job creation.

He warned that failure to transform research outcomes into viable products and enterprises continues to slow industrial development and reduce the contribution of research and innovation to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product.

Earlier in his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Philip Ebiogeh, emphasised the urgent need for Nigeria to strengthen its research commercialisation system.

Ebiogeh said the country could no longer afford to allow valuable research findings to remain unused in academic shelves. Instead, he stressed the importance of developing systems that support patenting, prototyping, incubation, venture financing, regulatory support and access to markets.

He explained that commercialising research outputs must become an essential part of Nigeria’s research culture if the country hopes to benefit economically from scientific discoveries made within its institutions.

The permanent secretary also reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to providing the policy direction, institutional support and regulatory frameworks needed to encourage innovation and commercialisation in line with the government’s development agenda.

He noted that collaboration between federal and state governments will play a key role in achieving this goal, particularly in creating innovation clusters, strengthening technology incubation centres and encouraging private sector investment in research-driven enterprises.

Ebiogeh further called on stakeholders to move beyond identifying existing challenges and focus on practical strategies that will produce measurable results in research commercialisation.

As part of efforts to address the issue, the Federal Government has launched the National Research to Commercialisation Policy, which aims to bridge the gap between academic research and industry.

Under the initiative, the government has approved the allocation of N2 billion for the activities of the Research, Innovation and Commercialisation Committee, while an additional N3 billion has been earmarked for programme operations in 2026.

Officials believe the initiative will help transform innovative research findings into commercial products, boost technology development and support long-term economic growth in Nigeria.

Experts also say stronger collaboration between universities, industries and investors will be essential to ensure that scientific research contributes more effectively to national development, job creation and technological advancement.