NISER DG, others advocate more uptake of research outputs by policy makers
By Olatunde Ajayi
Prof. Antonia Simbine, Director-General (DG), Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER), has emphasised the need for more uptake of research outputs by policy makers in Nigeria.
Simbine said this in Ibadan at NISER Strategic Plan Validation meeting, an ongoing NISER strategic plan activities that focuses on agric and food policy, economic policy, human capital development, environment and other societal issues.
She noted that the rate of the uptake of research output by policy makers still quite low in the country. She disclosed that NISER has seven research focal areas which were chosen based on the societal realities of the country.
“It is worrisome that most of the ideas from research institutes are not being implemented by policy makers.
“These policy departments relate to the problems of the Nigerian economy and society. As a research centre, we hope that focusing on them will help to address issues facing the country.”
She however, noted that uptake of research outputs have started improving gradually through the involvement of external stakeholders, Ministry Department and agencies (MDAs), development partners and national assembly.
“We are involving stakeholders, policy makers in the strategic plan validation meetings. With this, policy makers are getting more familiar with what we do and what we are likely to do as contained in the plan.
“Through this policy formulation process, it is our hope that policy makers will consult more to get our research output in order to use them to formulate policy for the country, “she said.
Presenting the Strategic Plan Document, Prof. Andrew Onwuemele, said that the development of the strategic plan started in 2011.
He said the strategic plan documents were derived from the lessons learned from the evaluation of the previous planning that were implemented.
“We always carry out evaluation at the end of implementation of each plan to see the extent to which the set targets were achieved. More critically to identify some lessons that will mainstream into future plans.
“Strategic planning is designed in such a way that it is adaptable and flexible to address any emerging challenges in the country. More external partners are being engaged in the current plan to improve the uptake of research by policy makers, “he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop had in attendance representatives from ministries, extra ministerial departments and
agencies from federal and state governments and development partner organisations. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
