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By Daniel Adaji
Professor Babatunde Rabiu, a fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Science has urged the Federal Government to revise the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Act to enable Nigerian institutions to host international scholars through structured academic exchange programmes.
Delivering a public lecture at the Academy’s 2025 Induction Ceremony in Abuja, Prof. Rabiu stressed the need for Nigeria to deepen global academic engagement to strengthen its research and development (R&D) capacity.
“TETFund Act should be revisited to allow some Nigerian institutions to host international scholars and academics on cross-institutional exchange programmes,” Rabiu said.
He noted that a revised Act would complement TETFund’s existing investments in tertiary institutions, adding,
“TETFund should consider sponsorship of sustainable strategic partnerships among the higher institutions as a means of sustaining its multi-billion investment over the years,” he said.
Rabiu warned that Nigeria risks being left behind if it fails to prioritize innovative research and international collaboration.
“Nations that fail to invest in innovative research shall remain the dumping ground for technologies developed by other nations,” he said.
He called on the Federal Government to protect TETFund’s core mandate during ongoing fiscal reforms.
“FGN should do everything possible to ensure that the mandate and activities of TETFund are preserved under the new tax reform dispensation,” he stated.
Highlighting the importance of international cooperation, Rabiu noted that Nigeria’s absence from global scientific societies has cost its institutions access to valuable funding and networks.
“A lot of grants/opportunities are eluding our institutions and national scientists due to our non-participation in global scientific societies as a result of our poor financial status,” he said.
The lecture, titled “Innovative Research and Strategic Partnerships: Catalysts for Sustainable Institutional Development,” underscored the urgency of reintegrating Nigerian academia into the global knowledge economy.
Earlier, the President of the Nigerian Academy of Science, Professor Abubakar Sambo, welcomed guests to the event, emphasising the Academy’s role in providing scientific guidance to national policy.
“The Academy engages with government in two primary ways. First, when invited by the government, we provide advice. Second, we proactively identify issues and approach government and relevant stakeholders with our recommendations,” Sambo said.
He praised the high standards of the Academy’s selection process, noting that only 10 new fellows were inducted from among rigorous nominations.
“I congratulate the new inductees on reaching the pinnacle of scientific achievement. Your credentials speak volumes,” Sambo said.
The event on Thursday saw 11 new members inducted into the academy’s fellowship.
One of the inductees, Professor Abiodun Adebayo, a biochemistry expert, described his election as a divine privilege.
“Many people apply multiple times—some as many as five times or more—and still aren’t elected. Yet here I am, elected on my first attempt. All glory goes to God,” he said.
He emphasised the need for homegrown scientific solutions to Nigeria’s pressing challenges.
“We’ve discovered many [medicinal] plants with tangible benefits for treating local health challenges. It’s important to address our issues using our indigenous resources—nature’s gifts to us,” Adebayo said.
He called on young Nigerians to pursue careers in science and not be deterred by the hurdles.
“To the young people out there: if God could help me, He can help you too. Don’t give up before you even try. And when you try, give it your all,” he said.
The Nigerian Academy of Science is the country’s leading independent scientific body, dedicated to promoting scientific knowledge and its application to national development.