Subject indigenous knowledge in medicine to scientific validation, Olowolafe tells researchers

Nigeria’s universities and research institutes could receive a new funding lifeline under a bill before the Senate proposing a yearly allocation of 20 per cent of the Nigerian Content Development Fund to support inventions, indigenous technologies and commercially viable research.

The proposal seeks to tackle a longstanding challenge in the country’s innovation ecosystem.

The Senate advanced the National Research and Innovation Development Fund (Establishment) Bill, 2026, for second reading yesterday, opening the way for further consideration of a funding framework designed to connect research institutions with industry and the wider economy.

The bill, sponsored by Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele and presented by Senate Chief Whip, Tahir Monguno, also proposes a National Council on Research and Innovation to coordinate priorities and oversee the fund.

Monguno said Nigeria had universities, polytechnics, research institutes and technology entrepreneurs with the capacity to generate useful innovations, but lacked a sustainable mechanism to finance, coordinate and commercialise their work.

He said that research should deliver benefits beyond academic publications and laboratory findings.

Meanwhile, Founder of the Tunji Olowolafe Foundation, Dr Tunji Olowolafe, has urged Nigerian researchers to subject indigenous knowledge in medicine, agriculture, construction and food preservation to scientific validation to develop solutions to national challenges.

He cited the research of Chinese scientist, Tu Youyou, whose investigation of traditional medicine contributed to the development of artemisinin, an important treatment for malaria, as an example of how indigenous knowledge could advance scientific discoveries.

Olowolafe made the call while delivering an address at the grand finale of the Postgraduate College Week, organised as part of the 65th anniversary celebrations of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife.

Speaking on the theme, “Promoting Research Excellence and Innovation in Postgraduate Studies: Charting the Future,” he described research as a systematic process of correcting societal mistakes through evidence, urging universities to challenge conventional wisdom and develop practical solutions to Nigeria’s problems.

He, however, called for broader access to research opportunities, including partnerships that would allow people with practical expertise, such as experienced farmers, to participate in university’s research under proper supervision without compromising academic standards.

Olowolafe also advocated expanded digital and flexible learning, stronger university-industry partnerships and greater emphasis on practical research outcomes, including patents, commercialised products and solutions to industrial challenges.

However, as part of efforts to strengthen postgraduate research and learning at the OAU, Olowolafe pledged that his Foundation would provide solar power, virtual learning facilities and digital infrastructure for the Postgraduate College of the university.

He said the Foundation would instal a dedicated solar power system for the College’s administrative offices, ICT centres and examination facilities, establish a fully equipped virtual learning and oral defence facility, and digitise and modernise the college’s boardroom.