Research and Development in Nigeria’s Tertiary Institutions: Issues, Challenges and Way Forward

Abstract

Nigeria's tertiary institutions' Research and Development (R&D) landscape is marked by a complex interplay of potential, challenges, and the urgent need for strategic reform. This paper delves into the multifaceted realm of R&D in Nigerian higher education, identifying key issues such as underfunding, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of collaborative endeavours between academia and industry. Despite the recognised potential for these institutions to be powerhouses of innovation and socio-economic development, they face significant hurdles. Underfunding severely limits the scope and scale of research projects, while infrastructural deficits hinder the quality and efficiency of research outcomes. Additionally, the siloed nature of academia from industry in Nigeria stifles the translation of research findings into practical, marketable solutions that could benefit the broader economy. The paper further explores the consequences of these challenges, including diminished academic quality, reduced international competitiveness, and a lag in the contribution of Nigerian tertiary institutions to global knowledge production. Through a comprehensive review of existing literature and analysis of current R&D policies, the study presents a series of strategic recommendations to revitalise R&D in Nigeria's tertiary institutions. These include increasing government and private sector funding, enhancing research infrastructure, promoting interdisciplinary and collaborative research projects, and fostering stronger partnerships between universities and industries. The paper argues that implementing these recommendations is crucial for transforming Nigerian tertiary institutions into catalyst innovation, economic diversification, and sustainable development catalysts study contributes to the ongoing discourse on higher education reform in Nigeria by offering a detailed examination of the R&D ecosystem and proposing a forward-looking framework for enhancing research capacity and impact. By addressing the systemic barriers to effective R&D, Nigeria’s tertiary institutions can play a pivotal role in achieving the nation’s development objectives and positioning itself as a leader in the global knowledge economy.