Problems of Science and Technology Development in Nigeria

The basic problems of science and technology development in Nigeria are:

• Lack of funds
• Lack of expertise
• Low level of education
• Lack of appropriate market
• Inadequate infrastructures
• Poverty
• Economic fluctuation
• Political instability
• Ethnicity
• Social vices.

Lack of Funds: Science and technology are capital intensive, it requires large sum of money to execute. Unfortunately, developing countries like Nigeria lacks funds or capital needed to purchase and establish heavy and large industries that can speed up scientific and technological growth in the country.

The lack of fund needed for essential developmental policies has led many poor nations to borrow from the developed countries. Nigeria has been a victim and still a victim and will continue to be a victim of foreign debt until our leaders cease to be selfish.

Lack of Expertise: Nigeria lacks high profile professionals who are competent in the fields of science and technology. The few she has are not enough to make lasting developmental impression that can compete with that of the developed countries. However, Nigerian scientists and technologists are trying their best and we have seen several scientific and technological breakthroughs attributed to their efforts, but then, we need more in order to move this nation ahead.

Currently, Nigeria need more qualified and professional scientists and technologist who are willing to sacrifice their resources, energy and time for the growth, development and advancement of science and technology in the country.

Low level of Education: Low level of education contributes against the growth of science and technology in Nigeria. Like most developing counties, a large number of the Nigeria population are illiterate which makes it hard for them to contribute effectively and efficiently to the development of the nation science and technology.

 Low level of education is a developmental problem of science and technology in Nigeria. This problem can only be solved when the government as well as parents and concerned individuals take our educational system seriously. Better still the Nigeria government should make education free, at least from primary school, to secondary school level. After all, our oil wells are still flowing and capable of shouldering the load.

Lack of Appropriate Market: It is obvious that the poor does not consume as much as the rich and the illiterates do not consume as much goods as the educated. These being true, Nigeria is made up of a large number of both the poor and the illiterates. The implication is that industrial goods will lack appropriate market. Science and technology in Nigeria does not enjoy big market due to low level of demand and supply.

Inadequate infrastructure: Basic infrastructures needed for the development of science and technology is lacking or is inadequate in Nigeria. For instance, most industrial and technological workshops lack necessary and appropriate tools and machines needed for scientific and technological works. To ensure scientific and technological growth and development in Nigeria, the government should provide and make available all the necessary infrastructures such as good roads, tools, machines and other raw materials.

Poverty: Nigeria is regarded as one of the poor countries of the world. As such, she can hardly afford all that it takes to develop in science and technology.

That is why Nigeria had been indebted to some of the developed countries where she sought and obtained monetary and infrastructural loans.Thus, poverty is a factor that impedes the development of science and technology in Nigeria.

Economic Fluctuation: The economy of Nigeria has not been stable for long time now. This has affected developmental policies and seriously slowed down the growth and development of science and technology.

The developed countries of the world were able to achieve growth in science and technology due to the stability of their economy. The developing countries should work hard towards building a stable and viable economy.

Political Instability: Political instability also affects the growth and development of science and technology in Nigeria. Our government is not stable, since independence, Nigeria has had several heads of state, which means different and even opposing developmental policies.

Nigeria has been battling between military government and democratic government. This political instability discourages internal development and scares away foreign investors and developers who would have contributed to the growth and development of science and technology in Nigeria.

Ethnicity:

Ethnicity, like a plague has eaten deep into the life of the Nigeria nation. Many people have been excluded from active participation in the leadership of this country because of their tribe. People who are vibrant and full of scientific and technological curiosity have been neglected and discouraged from using their intelligence to develop the nation.

For instance, the Igbo people are known for their scientific and technological prowess, yet the leaders of Nigeria have refused to encouraged and support them financially, because they happen to come from a particular ethnic group or geographical location. If supported, Igbo industries in Aba and Nnewi can move this country to a greater height technologically.

Social Vices: Indiscipline and corruption are some of the social vices that have continuously militate against meaningful development in Nigeria. Despite the efforts of the government to instill discipline and shun corruption, the nation keeps wallowing in the pool of corruption and indiscipline.

Imagine a country where people vandalize public properties such as electric cables, poles, transformers, pipes and iron rails used as barriers to protect cars and people from falling over bridges. Indeed, social vices affect the development of science and technology in Nigeria.

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