Author: Olufikayo Abodunde and Oluseye Jegede (NigeriaLics Hub)
Webinar highlights
About the speaker: Dr. Ann Kingiri is the Director, Science Technology Innovation Knowledge Society (STIKS) programme at the African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS), a knowledge think tank based in Nairobi Kenya. She is the Secretary-General of AfricaLics Network. She also serves in the Globelics Scientific Board. This fourth edition of NigeriaLics Hub Webinar was held on the 19th November 2020.
Introduction
Dr. Kingiri elucidated that one of the main objectives of AfricaLics Network was to promote development of Science Technology and Innovation (STI) research in Africa with strong links to users (i.e. policy makers, industry, academics etc.). She explained further that AfricaLics seeks to provide knowledge support to enable African countries to develop the capacity to study, monitor and evaluate the innovations systems and develop evidence-based policies for the betterment of the continent.
AfricaLics started off with pursuing key research agendas in nine (9) key thematic areas thought to be critical based on the research/surveys/studies done at the time (2012). However, over the last eight years, theses key thematic areas have evolved. Research paradigms have shifted based on SDGs, STISA 2024 and Agenda 2063, and hence subsequent research has evolved to adopt a more inclusive and sustainable approach. To this end, AfricaLics Network has expanded in terms of research portfolio to include other close cutting fields such as climate change, inclusive innovation, gender, youth, informal sector and fourth industrial revolution.
In her lecture, she highlighted that the foremost component of AfricaLics is capacity building and teaching & learning is part of this. Hence, amongst other strategies deployed, AfricaLics has developed a master’s level module on innovation and development which can be adapted to suit requirements of all national Hubs including Nigeria. In the long run, AfricaLics hopes that African countries will utilize the high-quality research conducted by African researchers to enable more informed policy decisions to be made relating to the use of STI for economic and sustainable development on the continent.
Expectations from NigeriaLics
- Organic evolution of NigeriaLics. i.e. steady growth
- Introducing the Master Module (mainstreaming National Universities Commission (NUC) & National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) curriculum). AfricaLics should look into providing the initial online support.
- Pipeline Activities
- Academies for MSc. Students
- National academies for PhD Students. Progressively it is hoped that travel support within Nigeria could be solicited from local institutions.
- Pursue seed funding for collaborative research projects led by national Hubs.
- Thematic chairs (hubs to develop research agenda) in the areas of expertise. In Nigeria, there is demonstrated expertise in agricultural innovation systems, technology management among others.
Looking ahead, what must NigeriaLics Hub do?
1. Funding for NigeriaLics
NigeriaLics is encouraged to approach any development partner for its activities. The Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA), currently funding AfricaLics research capacity building activities may however be approached through AfricaLics for related activities. NigeriaLics is advised to have an active Local Scientific Board – this is critical to the sustenance of the Lics. Dr. Kingiri hinted that, finding funding for an event or specific activities may have a higher success rate than finding funding to support administrative costs of setting up a secretariat or paying salaries.
2. Remuneration for Staff in NigeriaLics Secretariat
AfricaLics does not rely on SIDA funds alone and a lot of probono services are rendered, while other projects within ACTS as AfricaLics host organization, pay salaries for the AfricaLics Staff. Although SIDA support is significant and is used for administrative purposes, mentoring, ICT team, etc., this may only account for 20% of what is required for Secretariat to function. ACTS is providing in-kind contribution too. Goodwill of the Network’s members is critical. It is also worth noting that Globelics, as the global network that AfricaLics look up to, currently does not have paid staff and relies on probono work provided by members.
3. Membership
NigeriaLics is advised to draft a constitution taking guidance from the AfricaLics and Globelics existing versions.
4. Activities of NigeriaLics
The vision is to localize activities done at the regional level, at the national level – hence taking activities to the grassroot. This will not be a repetition of activities undertaken at the Regional level, but an opportunity for increased participation. NigeriaLics is encouraged to think outside of the box to create activities of its own and coordinate with AfricaLics to benefit from some level of support not just financially but human resources/expertise.
Closing Remark
It was acknowledged that NigeriaLics is not in competition with AfricaLics, the Hub’s activities are complimentary to the network’s activities and therefore are geared towards benefitting the African contient at large.