By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo

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The need for Nigerian universities to support capacity building that enhances quality scholarship and research to address the needs of the people has been stressed.

Prof. Akinrinade, President of the Nigerian Academy of Letters, gave the charge at the opening ceremony of the 2-day Proposal Writing and Grantsmanship Workshop for Early Career Researchers, held at Osun State University multipurpose hall, main campus, Osogbo.

The workshop was organized by the Office of Research and Innovations Management in conjunction with the University of Birmingham, Nigerian Academy of Letters, and TETFUND.

Delivering his keynote address, Prof. Akinrinade charged scholars to enhance the quality of research, emphasizing research that would address the needs of the people. He urged the government at all levels not to appoint mediocrities as members of the governing councils in all tertiary institutions to add value to the system.

Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of Osun State University, Prof. Odunayo Clement Adebooye, said research is the engine that drives progress both at national and global scales through policymaking, economic, and industrial growth, as well as improving standards of living.

Represented by Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Research, Innovation, and Partnership, Prof. Kehinde Adetunji, he expressed gratitude to the conveners and organizers of the workshop.

“I have personally observed the downward trend of research productivity and impact among universities in Africa compared to other continents of the world.

“Our universities seem to be too focused on graduate output with decreasing emphasis on research. Although increased manpower production has its role, it must be stressed that research is the engine that drives progress both at national and global scales.

“Investment in research comes with a lot of benefits and advantages. Individual researchers gain fulfillment, reputation, and rewards from their research outputs. Nations benefit from research through informed policymaking, economic and industrial growth, and improved standards of living, while research leads to collaborative solutions to pandemics, climate change impacts, sustainable development, and technological advancements at the global level. Any nation that is poised for development must invest enormously in research.

The conveners, Professor Olukoya Ogen from Osun State University and Professor Insa Nolte from the University of Birmingham, emphasized the importance of ensuring the success of research proposals by thinking about issues and being more aware of opportunities. They noted that the workshop, first held in 2011, succeeded in producing eminent scholars who are also engaged in grantsmanship.