Stakeholders in the healthcare sector have emphasized the urgent need for increased support for research to advance human health. This call was made during the send-off ceremony for the outgoing Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Prof. Babatunde Salako, held at the NIMR center in Yaba, Lagos State on Tuesday.
The event saw researchers and physicians urging the government to increase funding for research, improve infrastructure, and create a supportive environment for researchers. They lamented the current challenges in Nigeria, including inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, and lack of government support, which hinder the progress of research.
Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, underscored the importance of research in health and development. “Every modern and civilized country has a strong research and development agenda,” he said, highlighting the necessity of a conducive research environment, which includes adequate funding, infrastructure, and trained personnel.
Prof. Abayomi praised Prof. Salako for his eight years of service, noting his contributions to advancing NIMR in research and innovation. He encouraged NIMR to continue striving for excellence, stating, “Without research, your community cannot develop.”
Prof. Alani Akanmu, a hematology and transfusion medicine professor at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, stressed the need for deliberate government funding of research. He cited examples of countries like the United States, United Kingdom, and Netherlands, which have achieved significant advancements in biomedical research through well-funded initiatives. Prof. Akanmu highlighted the importance of having a good research environment, including a biobank, well-equipped laboratories, and trained personnel, to attract research grants.
Prof. Akanmu also emphasized the need for responsible and ethical research, and effective communication of research findings to policymakers to inform decision-making.
Reflecting on his tenure, Prof. Salako highlighted the creation of a conducive research environment as a major success. He attributed this to the innovative approach of linking researchers with universities, which boosted their confidence and transformed the institution. He stressed that improving human capacity is key to attracting funds, winning grants, and conducting innovative research.
Salako reiterated the importance of teamwork and collaboration in research and called for the establishment of a health research funding agency.
The event was attended by prominent figures, including the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Noimot Salako-Oyedele; former Governor of Lagos State and Chairman of NIMR Foundation, Babatunde Fashola; the Olota of Ota, Prof. Adeyemi Obalanlege; former Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole; and Chief Medical Directors of teaching hospitals, among others.
