FG reaffirms commitment to research funding
The federal government has reiterated its commitment to prioritising research and innovation as the backbone of Nigeria’s development agenda, pledging greater support for universities and research institutions across the country.
This assurance was given by the Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Tanko Sununu, at the 3rd Annual Scientific Conference and Alumni General Meeting of the College of Health Sciences (CHS), Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS).
Dr Sununu noted that the 2025 Federal Budget has made special provisions for research and innovation, stressing that the government views knowledge production as a critical tool in addressing poverty, food insecurity, public health gaps, and the climate crisis.
“Research is not a luxury but a necessity. Nigeria’s progress depends on how much we can convert knowledge into solutions. That is why the federal government is strengthening partnerships with universities such as UDUS to ensure that academic outputs benefit society,” he said.
He recalled how increased government support once helped the National Institute of Medical Research scale from a $200,000 annual grant to attracting $6 million in international funding. A similar strategy, he said, will be applied across tertiary institutions to boost capacity for home-grown innovation.
The minister commended UDUS for aligning with the federal government’s vision, citing the university’s record in pioneering Sokoto’s first kidney transplant, sustaining one of the largest clinical PhD programmes in Nigeria, and providing specialised services such as radiotherapy and open-heart surgery through its collaboration with Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH).
“These achievements show that Nigerian universities can rise to global standards if properly supported. The Federal Government recognises UDUS as a key partner in producing solutions-driven research, building human capital, and improving healthcare access for Nigerians,” he added.
Provost of CHS, Prof Abdulgafar O Jimoh, in his remarks, said the conference, themed “Innovations in Health Research and Practice for Sustainable Development in Nigeria”, attracted over 100 abstracts from scholars and professionals nationwide, reflecting a vibrant culture of knowledge creation at UDUS.
He said that the college is not only training doctors, dentists, nurses, and laboratory scientists, but also publishing groundbreaking research that contributes to national health policies.
The Chief Medical Director of UDUTH, Prof Anas Ahmad Sabir, reaffirmed the synergy between the teaching hospital and the College of Health Sciences, describing it as central to Sokoto’s ability to deliver specialised healthcare services that are available in only a few centres across Nigeria.
The conference also served as an alumni reunion and mentorship forum, where participants explored how indigenous knowledge can be blended with modern science to create affordable and accessible health solutions.
The event was graced by the Vice Chancellor of UDUS, Prof Bashiru Garba, former Vice Chancellor Prof Riskuwa Arabu Shehu, and keynote speaker Prof Shaibu Oricha Bello.