Don Blasts Companies for Choosing BBN Over Academic Research

University of Lagos professor, Professor Chris Obisi, has publicly lamented the “misplaced priorities” of Nigerian companies that lavish millions on sponsoring entertainment reality shows like Big Brother Naija (BBN) while neglecting to fund vital academic research. The professor stated that this trend is a major factor in the country’s slow pace of innovation and development.

Appearing on Channels Television’s “Sunrise Daily,” Professor Obisi, a specialist in Employment Relations and Human Resource Management, argued that a stronger synergy between the private sector and academia is crucial for national growth. He said that while research findings in universities could lead to commercially viable innovations, companies are often unwilling to invest in them.

“How can a company be sponsoring Big Brother but cannot fund research?” the professor asked. “This is a sort of misplaced priority, and that is why we are lagging.” He dismissed the notion that such investments are not profitable, arguing that companies around the world collaborate with universities to fund research for their own benefit, ultimately leading to greater financial returns.

Professor Obisi acknowledged that both the government and universities provide some funding for research, but he stressed that these funds are insufficient to drive meaningful change. He urged Nigerian businesses to change their perspective, engage with researchers, and support studies that could yield breakthroughs in various sectors.