The Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science recently entered into collaboration with the Armed Forces in the field of Research and Development of military foot wears to enhance National Security. BINTA SHAMA writes.
Importance of Research is generally seen as an organizational scientific efforts for discovering new materials, unearthing what is hidden, finding explanations for current situations and corroborating or debunking theoretical assumptions, claims or practices through systematic study.
Study has shown that research work is a term generally covering for scientific research, in the areas of both hard science and technology and social science. The term often connotes funding obtained through a competitive process, in which potential research projects are evaluated and only the most promising receive funding.
Such processes, which are run by government, corporations or foundations, allocate scarce funds. Most research funding comes from two major sources, corporations (through research and development departments) and government (primarily carried out through universities and specialized government agencies; often known as research councils).
Some small amounts of scientific research are carried out (or funded) by charitable foundations, especially in relation to developing cures for diseases such as cancer, malaria and other terminal diseases.
According to further research, that more than 60% of research and development in scientific and technical fields is carried out by industries, and 20% and 10% respectively by universities and government. Comparatively, in countries with less GDP, the contribution of their Industry is significantly lower. The US government spends more than other countries on military Research and Development (R&D), although the proportion has fallen from around 30% in the 1980s to under 20. Government funding for medical research amounts to approximately 36% in the U.S. The government funding proportion in certain industries is higher, and it dominates research in social science and humanities. Similarly, with some exceptions (e.g. biotechnology) government provides the bulk of the funds for basic scientific research. In commercial research and development, all but the most research-oriented corporations focus more heavily on near-term commercialization possibilities rather than “blue-sky” ideas or technologies (such as nuclear fusion).
About the Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology (NILEST) NILEST as it is shortly called is an agency of the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, a tertiary training and research institute which specializes in manufacturing, processing and production of leather and leather products using science technologies. It is said to aim at facilitating and increasing the revenue from the raw materials and industrial research sector of the nation. It comprises of 5 departments which all jointly work towards its primary aim.
The activities of NILEST comprises of several functions like; enrolling interested candidates or applicants into the Institute to offer specialised courses, attending lectures and seminars, engage in science and leather research and getting more enlightened in the field, and so on.
Responsibility of the Defence Research and Development Bureau (DRDB)The Defence Research and Development Bureau (DRDB) is vested with the responsibility of overseeing the matters of the nation such as oversight, budget, and procurement. It has the power to implements relevant element of government security policies, it provides for management administration oversights of armed forces, and channels advise on military affairs to civilian authorities.
They are generally responsible for developing new technology and military hardware for Nigeria’s defence and security forces.
MoU to enhance economic growth in NigeriaNigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology (NILEST) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Defence Research and Development Bureau (DRDB) in the field of Research and Development of military foot wears of the Armed Forces for national security.The MOU, according to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Birtus Bako Nabasu is part of the drive to diversify the national economy and conserve foreign. He added that the initiative will also help in the effective exploitation of natural resources At the signing ceremony today, 7thJune, 2019 in Abuja, Mr. Nabasu said that the MoU is also expected to provide the platform for exchange of technical knowledge and experience acquired in the design, production and use of goods for military operations.According to the Permanent Secretary, the Ministry of Science and Technology is fully committed to the full implementation of the MoU is in line with the Executive Order No.5 for the planning, execution of projects, promotion of Nigerian Contents in Contracts Sciences, Engineering and Technology and with the upsurge of security challenges in the country.
He added that the Mou is also expected to strengthen collaborations in technical development in the goods related to the military and the setting up of a production line for military footwear.In his remarks, the Director-General of Defence Research and Development Bureau ) Air Vice Marshal Jomo Osahor said that the singing of the MOU will save Nigeria N20bn annually from the cost of importing Military shoes into the country,According to AVM Osahor it will also help to track insecurity, provide employment, and build capacities of people towards national development. He added that it will provide the platform for easy modification to suit, every situation in view of the fluid nature of the battle field.Earlier, the Acting Director-General of (NILEST) Dr. Eucharia Oparah said that the bilateral partnership between both parties is expected to revive the nation’s economy, reduce capital flight, improve security, create employment and wealth as well as promote made-in-Nigeria goods.
