AKSU Journal of Communication Research (AJCR)

Communicating Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation for National Development in a Fragile Polity: Views of Four Scientists

Author:  Aniekan Aniefiok Udonquak, & Professor Herbert Batta

Abstract
Most countries of the world have since moved beyond ordinary science and technologies to emerging science and technologies and innovations, Nigerian is still grappling with the implementation of its Science, Technology and Innovation Policy of 2011. This article explores the various opportunities in science and technology for Nigeria’s national development in a volatile political climate. In-depth interviews were conducted on four experts (two each) in Fisheries and Aquaculture and Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) from the Universities of Calabar, Uyo and Akwa Ibom State University, to investigate the potentials of emerging science and technology for national development in Nigeria. The findings reveal that a lot of factors have impeded the successful adoption and application of emerging science, technology and innovation in Nigeria. Such factors include: lack/poor budgetary provisions for research, dearth of infrastructure to support research endeavours, inadequate curriculum that emphasises fields of study out of tandem with the current challenges and needs of the world which have led to knowledge deficit of the Nigerian youths in the various fields of emerging science, technology and innovation. Based on these, it is recommended that government and non-governmental organisations make adequate provisions in funding to encourage research in emerging science and technology; appropriate infrastructure should be provided to aid research endeavours in emerging science and technologies; review of the Nigerian education curriculum as well as media education to meet current realities as well as prepare journalists for emerging science and technology reportage.