Academic Research Gives Universities Global Acclaim, Says Osinbajo
- VP Osinbajo has over the years shown concern about the growth and development of higher institutions in Nigeria
- The vice president, while receiving the UNILAG Alumni Association, noted that research is important for the growth of a university
- Osinbajo noted that quality research puts higher institutions on the world map of intellectual achievement and attainment
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Aso Rock - Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN has stated that higher institutions become globally recognised because of their active engagements in research.
Professor Osinbajo stated this on Monday, November 22 when he received a delegation from the University of Lagos, (UNILAG) Alumni Association, led by its national president, Dr. John Momoh.
Source: Facebook
He said:
“We should focus on how to endow research because ultimately, research is what puts us on the world map of intellectual achievement and attainment.”
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He also made the call for more resources to be devoted to research, adding that universities like UNILAG:
“Ought to be at the frontline of scholarships and intellectual achievements”
adding that:
“This is probably a lot cheaper sometimes than some of the major things that we do in terms of ‘brick and mortar.’”
Referencing the COVID-19 pandemic and the place of medical research in tackling the virus, the Vice President stated that:
“If you look at medical research especially in the light of public health challenges that we have had, COVID-19, and so many things going on, we need to be able to put some resources behind research, especially scientific type research where we can immediately see the benefits.”
He gave the example of the work done by the African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID) in diagnosing the first case of COVID-19 in sub-Saharan Africa.
He noted:
“Very few people know that the Redeemers University in Ede has an African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID).
“As soon as the first case of COVID-19 was diagnosed in Nigeria, sub-Saharan Africa, the sample of blood was sent to the centre in Ede and within 48hours, they were able to share with the international community, the first genome sequence of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) from Africa.
“That was a major achievement by any standard. The World Bank and World Health Organisation are contributing to that centre because they realize that this is a major centre for medical research.”
In his remarks, Dr. Momoh who is also the chairman of Channels Television, thanked VP Osinbajo for his continued support and gave details of the association’s plan to build an iconic 500-bed space hostel to tackle the housing deficit in UNILAG.
Professor Anunobi Vows to Improve Reading Culture in Nigeria
In a related development, the National Librarian and Chief Executive Officer of the National Library of Nigeria, Professor Chinwe Veronica Anunobi has vowed to improve the reading culture of Nigerians.
While fielding questions from journalists on her transformational agenda as the new National Librarian, Professor Anunobi said the National Library shall be cultivating a reading culture geared towards building an informed citizenry.
She stated that the national library will commence the process of ensuring that schools especially those outside the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja observe library periods in their timetable, adding that it will inculcate early reading culture among young Nigerians.
FG establishes new university in Benue state
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the establishment of a federal university of health sciences in Oturkpo, Benue state.
Femi Adesina, the special adviser on media and publicity to the president, announced the news on Wednesday, November 18.
The announcement was made after the Federal Executive Council meeting presided over by the president.
Source: Legit.ng
