Abuja: The African University of Science and Technology (AUST) on Wednesday in Abuja called for stronger efforts to bridge the gap between research and policy in Nigeria’s science and technology sector. Chairman of the Local Organising Committee for the Conference on Communicating Science, Technology and Innovation for National Development, Mr. Bosco Okolo-Obi, made this statement at a news conference ahead of the event.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the conference, organized by the university in collaboration with stakeholders, is set to occur from October 21 to 23 in Abuja. The theme of the event is ‘Communicating Science, Technology and Innovation for National Development.’ Okolo-Obi highlighted that the lack of effective communication has hindered the impact of scientific advancements in the country.
“Without effective translation of research into policies, products and public understanding, the knowledge economy Nigeria aspires to build will remain a distant dream,” he stated. Okolo-Obi emphasized the significance of bringing together researchers, industry leaders, policymakers, the media, educators, and the public to forge a new path. The conference aims to overcome technical language barriers, strengthen partnerships, train a new generation of science communicators, and advocate for policies that institutionalize science communication in Nigeria.
He further noted that science and technology are globally recognized as drivers of economic growth and social progress, with many nations leading in fields such as health, agriculture, energy, digital transformation, and industrialization. Despite Nigeria’s notable research output, Okolo-Obi pointed out that many discoveries remain confined to technical journals, inaccessible to those who need them most, including industries, policymakers, and citizens.
President of AUST, Prof. Azikiwe Onwualu, remarked that the conference would play a crucial role in bolstering partnerships among stakeholders in the sector. He stated that it was organized to change public perception about research in higher institutions and ensure that findings are utilized for business and government development purposes.