Nigerian Scientists Agree to Commercialise Research Findings

By Abisola Oluremi

Scientists and technologists in Nigeria have concluded plans to commercialise their findings for the economic growth of the country.

They made this known at their 38th annual conference held at IAR&T, MOOR Plantation, Ibadan.

Setting the tone for the discussion, the conference organised by the Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology, NISLT, in conjunction with the Association of Science Laboratory Technologists of Nigeria, ASLTON, the researchers lamented that most research findings were left on the shelf due to paucity of funds.

They agreed that, henceforth, such research would now be domesticated till they get to the end users.

The researchers concluded that if such potential were well harnessed, other nations of the world would be coming to Nigeria which in turn would generate more revenue for the country.

In his message to the conference, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji assured the readiness of the government to partner researchers.

The national president, Association of Science Laboratory Technologists of Nigeria, ASLTON, Mr Ayotunde Omorilewa maintained that with the current crops of technologists, the nation could migrate from an importing nation to a massive exporting nation.

Welcoming the participants, the Director-General, Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology, Dr. Yemi Gbadegesin explained that for the nation to attain her desired level in science and technology, quackery in the profession should be tackled headlong.

In his message, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State encouraged scientists to take advantage of the licenses issued them for the growth of the nation and not look for white-collar jobs.

Delivering a paper on the theme of the conference, “Entrepreneurial Role of Science Laboratory Technology in Sustainable Development for National Growth”, the main speaker, Dr. Jackson Oshu from Federal University, Oye-Ekiti stressed the need to domesticate findings to meet the health, science, educational, economical needs of the people.

In a remark, the Oyo State Commissioner for Tourism and Culture, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun stressed the need to instil technological skills into Nigeria’s educational curriculum from primary schools.

At the conference, nineteen members of the association were conferred with the award of Fellow of the Institute.

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