Ex-UI VC urges Fed Govt to include research funds in budget

A former  Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan (UI), Prof Olufemi Bamiro, has urged the Federal Government  to make provisions for research funds in appropriation bills.

His position was shared by a university don Prof Layi Fagbenle  at the book lunch to celebrate the 81st birthday of Prof Babajide Lucas.

The book was entitled: “Renewable Natural Resoruces Engineering: Essays in honour of Canon Prof Babajide Lucas”.

Bamiro said:  “This is a country that has depended so much on oil,  which has become traditional energy, but surely we can see now the way the world is going, everybody is looking towards renewable energy. We have to look into the direction of solar energy supply. In Nigeria, we still need to be serious in our energy drive because the world  is moving away from oil and gas to the renewable and the non- renewable, which must be utilised.”

Fagbenle  said: “ When nations are focused on research result, they will get developed and many problems will be solved. I know what my student go through before they can be able to finish their research work due to funding.”

 The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof Idowu Olayinka, who was represented by the Deputy VC Administration, Prof Emilolorun Ayilari, described Lucas as a disciplinarian and educationist.