A university Don has urged the federal government to prioritise the funding of education and research, which would enhance the human capital development of society.

Speaking, Dean of the Faculty of Management Science of the University of Maiduguri, Prof. Shehu Mustapha Liberty, said during a pre-conference briefing of the 2nd International Conference of the faculty slated for 11th-13th February 2025 organised by the Unimaid in Maiduguri yesterday.

Prof. Liberty lamented that the decline in research funding/grants is not only worrisome but also a thing concern, citing that education remains a critical tool to advance society.

He warned the Tinubu administration about buried ideas scraping the TETFUND, which he described as only interventions for the infrastructure development of higher institutions across the country.

“Today, the 10th of February, we are yet to get our salary for last month. Our colleagues have families, and thin air is bad. I am calling on the federal government to prioritise the funding of education because it is the bedrock of a meaningful society. We are deeply worried about declining grants of research and funding of higher education in the country,” he said.

Speaking at the 2nd international conference, Shehu opined the conference is multidisciplinary and expected to facilitate the exchange of ideas and disciplines, which would foster collaboration and innovation.

He said the conference theme was “Harnessing Sustainable Development Goals Towards Expanding Economic Frontiers: Opportunities, Challenges, and Emerging Solutions.”

Prof. Shehu explained that Nigeria is a key player in the global community and cannot afford to lag behind in sustainable development.

“The SDGs are practical roadmaps for eradicating poverty, improving education, ensuring clean energy access, and creating resilient economic systems.”