A University don Prof Oyewale Tomori says the only way out of under-development in Nigeria and Africa as a continent is through science and technology”.
Prof. Tomori stated this on Thursday at the 8th distinguished public lecture held at the Federal University Lokoja with the theme “conflicting conference of science and society”.
“Scientists must “dirty” white coats with the sweat of struggle for entrenchment of good governance needed for creating enabling and conducive environment for quality science.
“Science and Technology should positively form the basis of all human activity. It is science alone that can solve the problem of illiteracy, of superstition and deadening custom and tradition, of vast resources running over waste of a rich country inhabited by starving people. I do not see any way out of our vicious circle of poverty except by utilizing the new sources of power which science has put at our disposal” he stated.
On the expectations of the society from scientist, Prof. Tomori said ““The world has changed far more in the past 100 years than in any century in history. The reason is not political or economic but technologies that flowed directly from advances in basic science”
“No nation, except Nigeria which has attempted to sidetrack developing science and technology and tailoring it to her needs. Nigeria has taken a shortcut by importing other peoples finished technology, and calling it transfer of technology. Nigeria imports complete knocked down parts of vehicles, and appoints a Nigerian Executive Managing Director to oversee the screwing together of these parts.”
He charged government at all level to stop lip service to science and technology by transforming the society through relevant science and appropriate application of technology.
According to the University don, the Nigerian society should demand and expect no less from her scientists.
The eminent scholar explained that science research is essential for solving modern problems and challenges, including the development of cities and enterprises, environmental protection, rational use of natural resources, food production storage and availability.
He opined that in more advanced and highly literate environments, society shapes the direction of science. “How resources are allocated to fund scientific research, types of research are encouraged or discouraged,society influences scientists’ values, beliefs, and goals, determine questions scientists pursue and how they carry out their investigations with ethics.
“The relationship between science and society is complex and can be contentious. Conflicts can arise when scientific evidence conflicts with people’s values, beliefs, or interests”.
Prof. Tomori outlined some of the problem which has stagnated the success of science which includes poor mentorship and studies not focused on solving national problems, insufficient adherence to merit in assessment of research proposals, poor management, accessing fund and misuse of research funds.
Earlier in his remarks, the Vice Chancellor, Federal University Lokoja Prof Olayemi Akinwumi noted that the lecture series has become a significant part of the institution academic calendar
aimed at fostering a culture of intellectual curiosity and rigorous academic discourse.
“By inviting eminent scholars and thought leaders to share their insights on pressing issues, we strive to bridge the gap between academia and society. These lectures are not merely academic exercises; they are opportunities for us to engage with new ideas, challenge our thinking, and inspire innovation and progress within our community.
Explaining further, Prof. Akinwumi said “We believe that we have a vital role to play in addressing societal challenges. These lectures provide an opportunity to engage with pressing issues, sparking conversations that can lead to meaningful change.Today’s lecture is on a topic of immense significance: “The Conflicting Confluence of Science and Society.”
” In our fast changing world, the relationship between science and society is both complex and critical. Scientific advancements have the potential to transform our lives for the better, yet they also raise important ethical, social, and policy questions”.
