16/10/2024
FUTIA VC CALLS FOR NEED-BASED RESEARCH TO DRIVE NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology Ikot Abasi (FUTIA), Prof. Leo Daniel, has urged the Nigerian Military, industry stakeholders, research institutes, academia, and other key players to adopt a need-based approach in their research efforts to contribute effectively to national development.
Prof. Daniel made this call during the opening ceremony of the Defence Research and Development Bureau Annual Seminar and Exhibition 2024, held on 15th October 2024, at the National Defence College in Abuja. The seminar's theme was “Enhancing Synergy in Research and Development Towards a Robust Military Industrial Complex in Nigeria.”
In his address as the guest lecturer, Prof. Daniel noted that while various research initiatives have been undertaken by academic and research institutions, many of their outcomes remain unused in laboratories. He emphasised the need for government agencies and stakeholders to collaborate in conducting thorough needs assessments to identify and sponsor research that addresses specific industry and national challenges.
As a Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Prof. Daniel highlighted Nigeria's potential and capacity to develop a robust indigenous Military Industrial Complex (MIC). He advocated for enhanced synergy in research and development, which he believes would create a value chain, facilitate technological transfer, prevent capital flight, and strengthen the nation's territorial integrity.
He called on the government, international oil companies, and other industry stakeholders to invest in the MIC to support Nigeria's defence and industrial economy.
Prof. Daniel also pledged FUTIA's commitment to partnering with the Defence Research and Development Bureau and other agencies to conduct specialised research and enhance manpower training in aerospace engineering, alongside the university's flagship programmes. He urged the Bureau to innovate
