DOI: 10.36347/sjebm.2015.v02i01.018

Pages: 128-138

Since independence, October 1, 1960, Nigeria has adopted several development programmes (home-designed and international), such as green revolution (GR), operation feed the nation (OFN), structural adjustment programme (SAP), national poverty eradication programme (NAPEP), millennium development goals (MDGs), to develop its economy. But the expected results have not been achieved because currently, by international grouping, Nigeria is among countries with low human development index (HDI). Presently, Nigeria has adopted the Post- 2015 Global Development Agenda, with a broad objective of “eradicating poverty and transforming economies through sustainable development”. Nigeria seeks to deliver the agenda, possibly, before 2030. One of the key elements for realization of the Agenda is “ increased funding for research and development (R&D). However, R&D, has been an integral part of technological capability development policy in Nigeria since 1970s, “when government started to promote scientific and technological activities in Nigeria in order to make Nigeria technologically strong”. However, the expected results have not been achieved because, currently, Nigeria is characterized by a very low level of technological development. Investigations show that the country‟s approach to technological capability development lack the necessary ingredient - functional research and development. Changes are needed in the country‟s technological capability development programmes. This paper suggests that research and development (R&D) needs to be well funded, and the number of researchers and technicians in R&D be increased to enhance the chance of realizing the post-2015 development agenda.