By Chiazo Ogbolu
Lagos – The Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi (FIIRO), Lagos, Chapter of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions, on Monday urged the Federal Government to prioritise research for national development.
The Secretary of the chapter, Mr Kehinde Michael, made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.
According to him, a country that does not give priority to research will not develop.
Michael urged the government to look into the ongoing strike by research institutes, saying that the strike would affect the country adversely.
“Inventions over the world are outcomes of research; none was done in a day.
“People go into research and come out with results, but here, the country thrives in analogue,’’ he claimed.
He called on the Federal Government to meet the demands of the striking workers to promote research and make Nigeria to be at par with her counterparts.
The secretary said that it was bad that research institutes could be on strike for long without Federal Government responding appropriately.
Michael said that the strike had paralysed research activities.
“The strike is the outcome of the demand by the institutes concerning research in the country.
“This demand started in 2009, we negotiated in 2011, and we gave a 15-day ultimatum with uncountable resolutions.
“Government has to meet us halfway, then, we will consider its plea in the interest of the nation,’’ the official said.
NAN reports that NASU, Academic Staff Union of Research Institutions (ASURI) and Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes and Associated Institutions (SSAUTHRIAI) have been on Strike since Nov. 14, 2017.
The three unions embarked on the strike under the aegis of Joint Research and Allied Institutions Sector Union.
They are urging the Federal Government to pay their members 12 months’ salary arrears under the Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure (CONRAISS), and implement other issues as agreed upon.