African University of Science and Technology, on Wednesday in Abuja, advocated  bridging the gap between research and policy in the science and technology sector.

The chairman of the Local Organising Conference on Communicating Science, Technology and Innovation for National Development.  Bosco Okolo-Obi said this at a news conference ahead of the conference.

The conference, organised by the university in partnership with other stakeholders, is scheduled to be held from October 21 to 23 in Abuja.

He said that the communication gap had limited the impact of scientific advances.

“Without effective translation of research into policies, products, and public understanding, the knowledge economy Nigeria aspires to build will remain a distant dream. First, we are bringing together researchers, industry leaders, policymakers, the media , educators, and the public on a single platform to chart a new course.

“Our focus will be on breaking barriers of technical language, strengthening partnerships, training a new generation of science communicators, and advocating policies that institutionalise science communication in Nigeria,” Mr Okolo-Obi said.

According to him, science and technology are universally acknowledged as the engines of economic growth and social progress.

He said that globally, nations had embraced science-driven development, which was leading to advancements in health, agriculture, energy, digital transformation, and industrialisation.

“Nigeria is not being left behind in terms of research output. Our universities and research institutes continue to produce ground-breaking research findings. Yet, many of the discoveries remain locked away in technical journals, inaccessible to industries, policymakers, and indeed, the citizens who need them the most,” Mr Okolo-Obi said.

The president of the university, Azikiwe Onwualu, stated that the conference would aim to strengthen partnerships among stakeholders in the sector. He said the conference was convened to change public perception about research in higher institutions and research institutes.

Mr Onwualu said the ultimate goal was to ensure that research findings were used for development purposes, whether in business or government. He said the conference would help to amplify the importance of research and development in Nigeria by bringing research findings to the forefront.

Mr Onwualu said the conference would also facilitate collaboration and commercialisation of research outcomes, thereby driving science and technology development in the country.

(NAN)