Mapping Out a Strategy for Synergizing Science and Technology Institutions and Industries in Research and Skill Development in Nigeria

摘要

The significance of partnership between training institutions of higher institutions of learning and productive sector (industries) is to enable Nigeria use Research and Development related Science, Technology and Innovation as the fundamental ingredients to enhance its competitiveness and advance itself into the grouping of industrialized countries by the year 2020. Thereby, promoting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), training and retraining, citizens will be empowered to be productive, to think, to be creative, to innovate and to generate wealth for Nigeria's development. The study was a survey research in which data was collected through a 50 items questionnaire on a population of 300 respondents purposively sampled from six (6) geo-political zones of Nigeria (18 Higher Institutions of Learning and 18 Industries). Data collected from the research questions were analysed using Mean and Standard Deviation on a 5-point likert-type scale, while t-test was used to test the null hypothesis at 0.05 level of probability. Findings of the study revealed among others that the institutions do not have synergy with industries in research and development despite provision available; as a result most of the higher institutions find it difficult to collaborate with industries in Research, Development and Skill acquisition for Industrial Development in Nigeria. The study recommended among others, that there should be a synergy, collaboration and partnership in Research and Skill Development between higher institution and industries. The study also suggested that Government should build a National Laboratory/Workshop Park for STI related to R&D for institutions and industries which will be fully equipped with state of the art science and technology equipment which would serve as a research house, or known as "Super labs" or "Central Sharing Facility Centre" for common use.