Reps seek increased funding for innovation
OrderPaperToday – The House of Representatives on Wednesday adopted a motion which emphasized the need to increase funding for innovation and technology in tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
The House also urged the federal government to adequately fund institutions involved in research and innovation and that the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) should design a workable plan on how to produce electric cars in commercial quantities in Nigeria, using homegrown human capital.
The House mandated the Committees on Tertiary Education and Services, Land Transport, Environment and Science and Technology to engage stakeholders to design a 10-Year Action Plan to improve the research capabilities of Nigeria’s tertiary institutions with the intent to improve the automobile industry.
Presenting the motion which led to the decisions, Mr. Babajimi Benson (APC, Lagos) noted that the Faculty of Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) recently unveiled its first five-seater electric car, christened ‘Lion Ozumba 551’ made with 80 per cent locally sourced materials and can cover a 30–kilometer distance when fully charged.
He pointed that in 2014, an undergraduate of the Faculty of Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Segun Oyeyiola converted a Volkswagen Beetle into a wind and solar–powered car.
He further explained that given the wanton environmental pollution and renewed campaign for a greener source of energy and transportation, any vehicle that is environmentally friendly and doesn’t emit toxic gasses should be encouraged.
He said that tertiary institutions were essential for the discovery, proper dissemination and application of knowledge and countries that prioritize research were usually more equipped to deal with new challenges and technological advances.
He called for appreciation for “tertiary institutions in Nigeria and high flying students who have, against all odds, continued to push the limits to ensure Nigeria competes favourably with other developed economies,” adding that since research is essential to economic and sustainable development “if tertiary institutions in the country are adequately funded, it could result in an industrial revolution for the country.”
The motion was passed and referred to the Committee on Industry and Commerce for further legislative action.