Stakeholders in the health sector have stressed the need for Nigeria to invest more in brain research, education and innovation, saying that it can improve healthcare, drive economic growth and strengthen national development.
Speaking at a roundtable on neuroscience organised by the Embassy of Spain in Nigeria in partnership with Nigerian and international research institutions in Abuja, Albert Compte, Senior Group Leader at IDIBAPS and IIBB-CSIC in Barcelona, Spain, underscored the importance of global partnerships in advancing brain research and translating scientific discoveries into improved healthcare.
Compte said that international collaboration would enable Nigerian researchers to access advanced technology, multidisciplinary expertise and global research networks.
In his contribution, Prof. Sadiq Yusuf, Vice Chancellor of Newgate University, Minna, Nigeria, said that neuroscience should no longer be viewed as laboratory science alone.
According to him, it is critical to improving healthcare, education, security, innovation and economic productivity.
He described brain capital as the foundation of a nation’s creativity, resilience, scientific capability and economic competitiveness.
“The future prosperity of nations depends on the health, creativity and resilience of their people,” he said.
Sadiq said that investment in neuroscience would help unlock human potential and address neurological disorders affecting national productivity.
The don stressed that countries investing in brain research today would become innovation leaders tomorrow.
He urged the Nigeria government to support neuroscience education from secondary schools through higher institutions.
According to local media reports, the event themed: “Round Table on Neuroscience: Neuroscience in Nigeria: Building National Capacity through Global Partnerships is aimed at exploring ways to deepen research in neurosciences.
The reports quoted Prof. Angela Danborno, President of the Neuroscience Society of Nigeria, as saying in her contribution that most researchers lacked access to modern laboratories and advanced neurotechnology.
According to her, many specialists trained abroad are discouraged from returning to Nigeria because of inadequate research support.
GIK/APA