By The Nation,Yewande Fasan

Copyright thenationonlineng

A University of Lagos professor, Chris Obisi, has raised concerns over the chronic lack of funding for academic research in Nigeria’s universities.

Obisi, an expert in Employment Relations and Human Resource Management, voiced his worries during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme on Tuesday.

He warned that the shortage of funding is stifling innovation and progress in the nation’s academic institutions.

The don lamented that many research findings generated by universities remain unused because industry players fail to invest in or support them.

He expressed dismay that while some companies are quick to sponsor reality TV shows like Big Brother Naija, they are reluctant to fund intellectual research in universities.

“There should be more synergy between research, research outcomes, industry, and the university so that industry can be funding university and research outcomes, which some companies are not doing.

“It’s a shame, I don’t want to sound depressed. How can a company be sponsoring Big Brother but cannot fund research? How can a company be playing to the gallery but cannot fund research?

“This is a sort of misplaced priority, and that is why we are lagging,” he stated.

Obisi argued that this is a misplaced priority and that companies stand to gain from collaborating with researchers and funding studies that could lead to commercially viable innovations.

“Most innovations are coming out all over the world as a result of collaborative effort and funding by companies and organisations. You see Big X funding so many researchers.

“Companies can collaborate with the universities, fund research for their own benefit, and they will make more money,” he said.

The professor emphasised that funding research is not solely the responsibility of the government or universities, but rather a collaborative effort that requires the involvement of companies and organisations.

He urged Nigerian businesses to change their perspective and engage with researchers to support studies that could yield tangible benefits.

Obisi noted that while universities and governments do provide some research funding, it is often insufficient.

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He encouraged companies to follow the example of international organisations that fund research and collaborate with universities to drive innovation and progress.

“Nigerian organisations must also collaborate and listen to researchers. We have written to many companies that want to carry out the research on this, which will benefit companies, but many of them are not interested. Some of them are not interested.”

The current season of Big Brother Naija, Season 10, is underway, with housemates competing for a grand prize of N150 million and other exciting rewards.

The show takes place in a lavish, newly designed mansion boasting bold colors, trendy decor, and striking features.

The program has attracted notable sponsors, including Guinness Nigeria, Bet9ja, Pepsi, TECNO, and Colgate.