Stakeholders Call for Increased Research Funding in Nigerian Healthcare

Stakeholders in the healthcare sector have emphasized the need for increased support for research to advance human health.

The experts highlighted that research is crucial for developing new treatments and medications and understanding the causes of diseases. This call was made on Tuesday during the send-off ceremony for the outgoing Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Prof. Babatunde Salako, at the NIMR center in Yaba, Lagos State.

Researchers and physicians urged the government to increase research funding, provide better infrastructure, and create an enabling environment for researchers. They lamented that research in Nigeria is often hindered by inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, and a lack of government support.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, emphasized the importance of research in advancing human health and development, noting that it is essential for any modern and civilized country. He highlighted the need for a conducive research environment, including funding, infrastructure, and trained personnel, to produce meaningful results.

Prof. Abayomi commended Prof. Salako for his eight years of selfless service as the Director-General of NIMR, praising his efforts in advancing NIMR to a high level of research and innovation. He encouraged NIMR to continue its excellent work and strive for research excellence.

In his remarks, a professor of hematology and transfusion medicine at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Alani Akanmu, stressed the need for deliberate government funding of research. He cited examples of countries like the United States, United Kingdom, and Netherlands, which have made significant advancements in biomedical research through well-funded initiatives. Prof. Akanmu noted that NIMR needs a good research environment, including a biobank, well-equipped laboratories, and trained personnel, to attract research grants.

Prof. Akanmu emphasized the importance of training researchers to conduct responsible research, being aware of ethical implications, and collaborating with policymakers to inform decision-making.

Reflecting on his eight years as NIMR DG, Prof. Salako highlighted creating a conducive research environment as a major success of his administration. He attributed this to linking researchers with universities, enabling them to teach, supervise, and progress in their academic careers. This approach brought respect and visibility to the researchers, boosted their confidence, and transformed the institution.

Prof. Salako stressed the importance of teamwork and collaboration in research and reiterated the need for a health research funding agency. He expressed his gratitude for the goodwill messages he received, seeing them as a challenge to do more.

Other attendees at the ceremony included the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Noimot Salako-Oyedele; the former governor of Lagos State and chairman of the 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.