President Bola Tinubu has instructed federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to integrate research findings in science and technology into policies that directly impact the real sector.

The directive was given during a courtesy visit from the President of the Nigerian Academy of Science, Ekanem Braide, and Academy fellows at the State House in Abuja on Thursday.

Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, disclosed this in a statement titled, ‘President Tinubu Directs Ministers to Ensure Research Outcomes Guide Policy Formulation and Execution Across Key Sectors.’

The President underscored his administration’s commitment to a holistic strategy that harnesses Nigerian innovation across various fields, including agriculture, manufacturing, information technology, and academia, to drive national development.

He stated, "The key to unlocking our nation’s potential in the global economy of the future depends on the actions we take today.

"I am fully dedicated to ensuring that research and its outcomes are seamlessly integrated into policy formulation and implementation across all sectors of national development."

Speaking during his investiture as the Grand Patron of Science by the Academy, the President emphasized that the rapid pace of global change, along with national and international challenges, calls for greater reliance on research-driven solutions and actionable data, particularly in health and education.

"The Minister of Education, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, and the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning are present here.

"All relevant ministries must take proactive steps to ensure that scientific research informs and guides process development in key areas of strategic advantage."

President Tinubu emphasized the importance of integrating research findings into policy development, stating, "We must ensure that research outcomes are effectively utilized to enrich our policies."

In her remarks, Ekanem Braide advocated for the establishment of a national research fund as Nigeria transitions toward a knowledge-driven economy.

"Mr. President, we appreciate your support for a national research fund. We believe this initiative will significantly address our challenges, allowing for faster progress by leveraging contributions from the business community, academia, and the public sector," Braide stated.

She highlighted the Academy’s interventions and achievements in improving the lives of Nigerians, recommending increased investment in science research infrastructure and funding for the country’s 265 universities, 84 polytechnics, and 205 colleges of education.

President Tinubu also recognized Prof. Braide’s historic achievement as the first female President of the Nigerian Academy of Science since its founding in 1977.

Braide, along with her Vice, Abubakar Sambo, and Olatunde Farounmbi, among others, conferred the title of Grand Patron of the Academy on President Tinubu.

Also present at the event were the Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, Sonny Echono, and the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede.

Other attendees included the Minister of Health, Prof. Ali Pate; the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman; and the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, among others.