…………..….says the country emphasizes hardware rather than software aspect of development- Prof. Olaopa.
In his candid and frank speaking style, Professor Tunji Olaopa has explained that Nigeria is not putting much significance in local policy research and also, is not doing well in building its local policy capacity; but instead relies on international institutions’ policy framework rather than growing its research institute and building local institutions.
The Chairman made this known on Wednesday when he received a delegation from the Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER) led by its Director General, Prof. Anthonia Taiye Simbine on a courtesy visit to the Commission.
Olaoapa who welcomed NISER delegation in the company of his Hon. Commissioners, Permanent Secretary Mr. Ndiomu Ebioghe Philip and Management staff, asserts that Nigeria emphasizes hardware rather than software aspects of development, saying that institutional partnership with organizations like NISER for policy-driven development is key. He lamented that practitioners see themselves as irrelevant, as their policy products only serve their individual, professional and academic publication purposes.
According to Olaopa, Nigeria lacks a created platform for policy experts, leaving them at the dictates of research foundations and international agencies. He said local policy experts complained that the government is not using their research, as private research institutions provide resources for policy research geared to their private needs.
As a scholar-practitioner and reformer, Olaopa emphasized that the uptake in statistics and data generated in Nigeria is low due to inadequate resources devoted to this area. He further stated that there was a need for the government to invest in accurate data collection, saying that Nigerian experts overseas excel, unlike in Nigeria, due to the well-resourced and conducive environment they operate in.
Olaopa said the Commission will continue to work with relevant stakeholders in both public and private sectors, including NISER, to deepen policy development conversations and also find the right kind of incentive for policy research, development and implementation.
Talking earlier, Prof. Simbine thanked the Chairman for receiving them and appreciated him for gracing her event in Ibadan. He congratulated the Chairman and Hon. Commissioners for their appointment over a year ago.
She said the team came to brief the Commission on NISER’s mandates and activities, and also to find ways the two bodies can collaborate in areas of research and training.
Simbine stated that as an institution, NISER is focused on research, consultancy and training. She informed that the institution has a working relationship with the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation in the training and capacity development of public servants, similar to the one NISER has with the Nigerian Economic Society (NES).
She stated that socio-economic development cannot be achieved without quality human resources. She stressed that investment in human capital will determine the success of any organization.
She called on Olaopa to partner with NISER in his quest to creatively transform the Commission in particular and public service in general.
Signed.
Taiwo Hassan
Head (Press & Public Relations).
27th March, 2025.
