The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, has reaffirmed the President Bola Tinubu administration’s commitment to promoting and supporting research development.
He stated this in Abuja on Thursday during the unveiling and public presentation of life psychology and life management studies.
The event showcased the work of the doyen of life psychology and life management studies, Prof. Princess Vivian Mottohmigan.
Represented by the Director of Public Affairs at the SGF’s Office, Effiong Abia, Senator Akume described life psychology and life management studies as critical to national development, as they touch on mental resilience, decision-making capacity and productivity of the citizenry.
This, he said, explains why the Federal Government approved a grant of N4.2 billion for 158 research projects under TETFund National Research Fund 2024 grant cycle.
The special guest noted that some of the thematic research focused on Science, Engineering, Technology, and innovation, as well as humanity and social sciences, further endorsing the establishment of 18 Innovation and Entrepreneurship hubs across various tertiary institutions.
He commended Prof. Mottohmigan for her diligence, dedication and trailblazing approach for embarking on the intellectual journey and her persistence over the past two decades.
His words: “This event is not just about the unveiling of the result of an intellectual query; it is the beginning of an era that would revolutionise how we understand human behaviour, personal growth and life management in our society. This field of study is undoubtedly critical to our national development, as it touches on mental resilience, decision-making capacity, and the productivity of the citizenry.
“If well utilised, practitioners of this field of study will significantly contribute to national advancement in economy, food security, human capacity development, national security and choice of leadership in elective public offices/”
On her part, Prof. Mottohmigan explained that life psychology explores the psychological principles that influence thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, optimising various aspects of life, such as time, goals, and resources.
She further emphasised that the discipline is not solely theoretical but has practical applications that can be incorporated into leadership training, workplace productivity strategies, and national policy development. According to her, societies that understand the psychological dynamics of their citizens are better prepared to address challenges such as social unrest, economic instability, and leadership shortcomings.
The renowned professor also called for increased collaboration between academic researchers, government agencies, and the private sector, emphasising that such partnerships would ensure research findings translate into practical solutions for everyday life.
She added that widely adopted effective life management skills could result in a more productive workforce, healthier families, and stronger community bonds.
Additionally, the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu, was represented by the Deputy Director of Human Resources of the Commission, who pledged a commitment to promoting academic excellence and research that contribute to national development, thereby bridging the gap between academia and practical application. He emphasised the importance of higher learning institutions remaining at the forefront of addressing critical issues of the 21st century.
