Senate president, Senator David Mark, yesterday took stock of Nigeria’s ailing economy and submitted that only planned, deliberate and sustained efforts in research and technology can rescue the nation from economic downturn.
Senator Mark, therefore, challenged research institutes and tertiary institutions in Nigeria to rise up to the occasion by working out a blueprint that would get the nation’s economy out of the woods.
Receiving the 2014 Champion of Medical Research in Nigeria Honours award from the Nigeria Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) in Abuja yesterday, Senator Mark stated that no nation desirous of development can afford to undermine research as a key component.
Specifically, Senator Mark stated that medical research is key to national development because it would ensure a healthy citizenry needed for economic prosperity.
To this end, Mark assured that the National Assembly will continue to make adequate budgetary allocation to research institutes in the country to enable them perform creditably.
He appreciated the award and promised that the recognition will spur him to provide greater services to the nation.
Presenting the award to the Senate president, the director general of NIMR, Professor Innocent Ujah said the honour was in recognition and appreciation of Mark’s contribution to medical research in Nigeria.
