Tinubu Directs Ministers To Ensure New Policies Are Backed By Research

In a bid to foster innovation and evidence-based policymaking, President Bola Tinubu has directed ministries and agencies to ensure that research outcomes guide policy formulation and execution across critical sectors of the Nigerian economy.

Tinubu issued the directive during a courtesy visit by the Nigerian Academy of Science (NAS) and its fellows to the State House in Abuja on Thursday.

Addressing the delegation, Tinubu said his administration was committed to leveraging Nigerian expertise and ingenuity from all spheres, including farming, manufacturing, information technology, and academia.

“The pathway to unlocking the potential of our national contribution to the global economy of tomorrow lies in what we do today. I am fully committed to the comprehensive integration of research, and the outcomes of research with the process of policy formulation and implementation in all fields of national endeavour,” said the president.

Tinubu specifically urged the Ministers of Education, Health and Social Welfare, and Budget and Economic Planning to ensure that scientific research guides policy processes in relevant areas.

During his investiture as the Grand Patron of Science by the NAS, the president acknowledged the rapid pace of change globally and the need for data-driven solutions, especially in health and education.

“All the relevant ministries should sit up and ensure that science research guides process development in relevant areas of advantage. We must not fail to utilize research outcomes in the process of enriching our policies,” he stressed.

The NAS President, Professor Ekanem Braide, lauded Tinubu’s support for a national research fund, noting its potential to drive progress by harnessing inputs from the business community, academia, and public sector.

Braide, the first female president of the Academy since its establishment in 1977, called for upgrading research infrastructure and funding in Nigeria’s 265 universities, 84 polytechnics, and 205 colleges of education.

“Mr. President, we thank you for your support for a national research fund and we believe that this will go a long way in resolving our challenges and indeed, we can make quicker progress if we take advantage of the inputs of all Nigerians from the business community, the academia, and the public sector,” Braide said.