The Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly and Chairman, Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, has called for urgent policy and legislative reforms to reposition scientific research as a national development priority.
The Speaker made the call while delivering the 4th Annual Lecture of the School of Physical Sciences, Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA).
The event, held at the T.I. Francis Auditorium, featured academics, researchers, policymakers, and students, all united by the theme : “The Politics of Science Funding: Legal Framework and Policy Directions for Research Development.”
In recognition of his contributions to youth development, legislative leadership, and support for education, the Speaker was presented with an Outstanding Recognition Award by the university.
While receiving the award, Ogundoyin thanked the management and students of FUTA for the honour and used the opportunity to highlight the need for research funding in Nigeria to be backed by law, insulated from political instability, and driven by long-term national goals.
“Science and innovation must be protected from the ups and downs of politics. We need dedicated, legislated funding frameworks that guarantee continuity and impact. If Nigeria must compete globally, we must prioritise our researchers, invest in our institutions, and align policy with progress.”
The Speaker also stressed that universities must seek alternative revenue sources by engaging in research commercialization, private-sector partnerships, consultancy services, and alumni support, rather than depending solely on government subvention.
He acknowledged the work of scholars like Dr. Ijeoma U. Aneke, whose research on university education funding in Nigeria he cited as key to understanding the challenges and proposing practical reforms.
In her remarks, the Vice Chancellor of FUTA, Prof. A.T. Oladiji, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sunday Oluyamo commended Hon. Ogundoyin for his leadership and for using his platform to advocate for education and innovation.
She described him as a role model for young Nigerians in public service.
Participants at the lecture praised the Speaker’s insightful presentation and the call for collaboration between academia, government, and the private sector to strengthen Nigeria’s research ecosystem.
