Ibrahim Gambari, ex-chief of staff to then-President Muhammadu Buhari, has urged President Bola Tinubu’s government for more investment in the nation’s universities, to attain technical innovations and development.

The former chief of staff gave the charge during a public lecture at the Federal University Lokoja (FUL).

Mr Gambari, an academic and diplomat, said enhanced investments in the nation’s universities to encourage innovations and technological advancement would put the nation at a vintage position on the African continent.

“Such investments will open up opportunities for students to attain their academic heights, the knowledge frontiers and explore their natural talents. This is why Nigeria needs such a deliberate policy that can also encourage investment in research in the universities for critical and important roles in knowledge creation and innovation.

“Regardless of which school of thought one subscribes to, what is clear is that there is a correlation stemming from higher education to research and innovation. But we must not forget that academic course content also has to keep up with the pace of a fast-expanding knowledge frontiers,” he said.

Mr Gambari noted that universities required interdependence and close collaboration with their host communities for a peaceful and conducive study environment.

According to him, universities are key players in the global knowledge economy.

Mr Gambari warned against a situation where the universities’ managements were indifferent to host communities’ interest in employment, capacity building, information dissemination, and corporate social responsibilities.

“This is because it often generates tensions, conflicts, social unrest, and invariably academic disruptions, thereby defeating the attainment of higher education goals. In fact, town and gown relationships are the true embodiment of the phrase ’till death do us part’.

“I, therefore, urge the universities to be cognizant of this and not isolate themselves but ensure they descend from their ivory tower and engage with the host communities, build in-roads and embrace them with open arms, finding a way to embed them into the campus,” he advised.

On the other hand, Mr Gambari also admonished the communities to understand the enormous responsibilities that come with playing host to a very diverse group of people to attain the desired growth and development.

(NAN)