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NUC boss charges universities to focus more on research

Published

6 years ago

April 24, 2019

NUC boss charges universities to focus more on research

Prof. Abubakar Rasheed, Executive secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC) has called on Nigerian Universities
to begin the process of turning universities to research universities.

Rasheed disclosed this at an interactve section with Directors of Research and Innovation in Nigerian Universities in Abuja on Wednesday.

He said that research across Nigeria universities is still characterised with low turn out, noting that the culture of research is almost dwindling in Nigeria universities.

“Nigeria universities should stop dreaming or thinking that they have the monopoly of knowledge , research centres across the country and across the globe now exist outside universities.

“Universities must refocus their best efforts on building robust institutional structure to enable them reposition themselves .

“Nigeria Universities must take full advantage of the large pool of qualitative research grants across the globe.

Meanwhile, Prof. Peter Okebukola, former ES, NUC, while delivering a key lecture on Bolstering Research Impact and Relevance through Systematic Research Governance, recommended that the commission establish a research capacity enhancement project for the Nigerian university system.

Okebukola said the forum was not to bemoan challenges but to explore creative ways to enhance research capacities in Nigeria.

In his recommendations, he called on NUC to establish a research capacity enhancement project for the Nigerian university system to be funded by TETFund which would address major challenges relating to relevance and governance of research in the system.

He also called on NUC to publish annual research reports for the Nigeria university system for all universities.

” NUC should engage in setting up of a college of professors that will offer advisory services to the institutions research directorate.

Also, Prof. Suleiman Bogoro, Executive Secretary, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) frowned at the University system of Nigeria, saying that they concentrate more on teaching rather than research.

Bogoro said that Nigerian professors should always deepen their research by defining what research is about and applying it to boost economy.

A representative of Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG), Mr Tope Toogun called on Nigeria to begin the process of commercialising research and taking it to the market.

“NESG will mobilise the organised private sector to enter into collaborative undertakings and partnerships around research.

” We have the task and target to move research and development fundings from the private sector in Nigeria from 2 per cent to 50 per cent.

” This is one of the conversation that will come up at the next NESG in oct 2019,” he said. (NAN)

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Nigeria’s Historic Bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games: A Call for National and Global Support

Published

5 days ago

September 30, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria is poised to make history as it seeks to host the Centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030, a monumental opportunity that promises to transform the nation’s economy, infrastructure, and global standing.

More than a sporting spectacle, the Games would serve as a catalyst for development across multiple sectors, leaving behind a legacy of national pride and sustainable growth.

The benefits of hosting the Games extend far beyond the sports arena. Nigeria stands to gain both empirical and non-empirical advantages, with direct, indirect, and induced impacts that will touch every corner of society. Infrastructural development will take center stage, with new facilities such as indoor sports halls, conference centers, and improved road networks reshaping urban landscapes while strengthening the nation’s capacity to host future international events.

Economic growth is another significant dividend. Over 10,000 jobs are expected to be created, spanning construction, facility management, event planning, and tourism services.

The hospitality industry will undergo major improvements as hotels and resorts are upgraded to meet international standards, while local restaurants, lounges, and tourist attractions will see a surge in patronage from international visitors. Small and medium enterprises, particularly in the transport, finance, and food service sectors, will become some of the greatest beneficiaries, as the Games generate new demand and expand opportunities for local businesses.
The Commonwealth Games will also accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s sports industry.

Investments in training facilities, coaching, and talent development will inspire a new generation of athletes, ensuring long-term benefits that extend beyond 2030, a major focus of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
At the same time, the process of preparing for the Games will create opportunities for Nigerians to learn new crafts, acquire technical skills, and engage in global-standard event management, thereby strengthening human capacity and innovation across industries.

Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the Nigeria Sports Commission, and Hon. Bukola Olopade, the Director General, have been widely recognized for their tireless and visionary leadership in repositioning Nigeria’s sporting sector.

Their commitment to facilitating infrastructural development and strengthening grassroots sports development has laid the foundation for Nigeria’s bold bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Under their leadership, the NSC is fostering strategic partnerships and driving innovation in sports administration, they have demonstrated the nation’s readiness to stage an event of such global magnitude.

Beyond the tangible gains, the hosting of the 2030 Commonwealth Games carries profound symbolic value. It would be a moment of unity and pride, a chance for Nigeria to showcase its cultural richness, resilience, and excellence to the world.
As a centenary edition, the Games would stand as a historic milestone not just for the Commonwealth but for Nigeria itself, cementing its place on the global stage as a capable, ambitious, and forward-looking nation.

The gains from hosting the Commonwealth Games can never be undermined or overemphasized. This is Nigeria’s time to step forward and show the world our resilience, and excellence. We call on every Nigerian, across sectors and communities, to support this noble aspiration.

Nigeria’s pursuit of the 2030 Commonwealth Games is a vision for transformation, a blueprint for national development, and a legacy project that will inspire generations to come.

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