Vice Chancellor of Covenant University, Prof. Abiodun Adebayo has called on the federal government to practically encourage Nigerian researchers, intellectuals and creators of local contents.
“We cannot go global until we begin to believe in our local contents and that’s the only time we can move forward as a nation.”
Adebayo spoke as a Lead Presenter on the theme; “University of Calabar and It’s Contributions to National Development”, at the University of Calabar @50 Colloquium held at the school’s conference centre.
He said fixing local industries, health sector and even governance can only be done if the government begins the encouragement and patronage of local contents.
“You see what China and India are doing, they believe more in what they produce rather than reliance on foreign products. These countries have prioritized their local production and research, which reason they have become global leaders,” he stated.
He urged the Nigerian government to take a similar approach by funding university research centers and industries, particularly in areas like healthcare, technology, and agriculture.
Adebayo urged the government to channel more resources into university-based research, innovation, and indigenous industries to drive national development.
He emphasized that no nation can progress without believing in and investing in its own intellectual and industrial capacity, noting that many Nigerian researchers are winning international grants.
He expressed sadness that these people were making global impacts, yet they struggle to receive support from their own government.
In her welcome remark, Vice Chancellor of UNICAL, Prof Florence Banku Obi reflected on the institute’s journey from its humble beginning to becoming a leading institute of higher learning in Nigeria.
Obi said the institute is committed to academic excellence, infrastructural growth and national development.
Speaking, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman Governing Council of UNICAL, DIG Udom Ekpoudom (rtd), said the school has made giant strides in infrastructural development, and has got fair share of bad eggs.
