Research and Development Initiatives in Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects

Scientific research implies careful examination of an object or situation for the purpose of effecting societal development and improvement. It is a way of acquiring functional, dependable and useful information and data about the particular object of research as well as the analysis of the data collected in order to arrive at a valid conclusion. The prime function of research therefore is to discover answers to meaningful questions aimed at remedying societal challenges. Data in the study were collected in the six Geo Political Zones in Nigeria where a total of 720 questionnaires were administered in 6 Universities and 6 research institutes. Respondents in the study consisted of students, lecturers, research fellows, administrators and parents. 84.3 percent of the respondent holds that a nation’s level of development is determined by the functionality of its research structure. The study also revealed that 78.3 percent of the respondents responded that a nation’s level of progress is a function of its research administrative efficiency. A nation that aimed at scientific and technological break through must evolve a clear cut philosophy of national development, which include a well defined, strengthened and independent institution operating outside of the usual political interference/manipulations. This paper is of the view that Nigerian government and its people must do what they have been doing before now in research and development differently in order to expect the desired goal and benefits associated with research and development