A call for urgent funding in Nigeria’s research sector has been made by Dr. Aba Sagoe, a board member of the Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria (IHVN). She raised these concerns at a recent health research conference held in Abuja, jointly organised by the National Health Research Ethics Committee and IHVN.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Sagoe stressed the dire need for increased investment in research across Nigerian universities, highlighting how a lack of funding has stalled progress in multiple fields.
“Universities are very much in need of funding, particularly for research. There is so much to be done, not only in medicine, but also in pharmacy, agriculture, and many other fields,” she said.
She noted that while many Nigerians are passionate about research, the absence of proper support and funding often discourages them from pursuing it.
“We have to really go into research because there’s so much to be done. Many people here in Nigeria would like to enter into research areas, but they need encouragement and, most importantly, funding to make it possible,” she added.
Dr. Sagoe expressed hope that the conference would ignite renewed interest in research and contribute to building a stronger research culture in the country.
Driving Innovation Through Collaboration
Also speaking at the event, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, highlighted the importance of collaboration, ethical leadership, and innovation in transforming Nigeria’s health system. He was represented by Dr. Lolade Adeyemi, Special Adviser on Research and Innovation.
“The theme of this conference resonates deeply with our mission at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. We are dedicated to continuously enhancing quality, promoting equity, and championing sustainable innovation in our health systems,” Salako said.
Building Ethical and Impactful Research Systems
Dr. Charles Mensah, IHVN’s Chief Operating Officer and Principal Investigator for the conference, shared insights into the EXCEL-RITE initiative. According to him, the programme was designed to promote ethical research practices, encourage collaboration across disciplines, and drive meaningful change.
He noted that the conference would support capacity building for researchers, students, and institutional leaders by offering training and workshops on research ethics.
“The conference will enhance collaboration and policy development by bridging gaps between academia, government, and industry for effective partnerships.
“It will also support the development of policies that align with global standards for research ethics and governance,” he said.
Dr. Mensah added that such initiatives are key to helping researchers tackle societal and public health challenges, enabling them to conduct studies that are both innovative and ethically sound. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure research findings contribute directly to evidence-based policies and real-world solutions.
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