Prof. Johnson Abimbola, President of the Nigerian Society of Physical Sciences (NSPS), has said that emerging technologies are transforming research and development in the physical sciences and require increased funding to maximise their potential.
Abimbola stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Wednesday while discussing the impact of new technologies on physical sciences research.
According to him, physical sciences cover disciplines including physics, chemistry, mathematics, computer science, geography and geosciences, all of which increasingly rely on advanced technologies to drive discoveries and innovation.
He noted that scientific progress and technological advancement have historically evolved together, with each contributing to the growth of the other.
“Historically, scientific discoveries have produced new technologies, while those technologies have, in turn, accelerated scientific research.
“We moved from manual calculations using four-figure tables to mechanical calculators and later electronic calculators powered by silicon technology.
“Each technological breakthrough has made scientific research faster, more accurate and efficient,” he said.
Abimbola explained that artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, cloud computing, high-performance computing, drones, remote sensing and internet-enabled sensors have significantly enhanced data collection, analysis and predictive modelling across scientific disciplines.
Using meteorology as an example, he said the accuracy of weather forecasting depends largely on the quantity and quality of available data.
The professor also pointed to developments in renewable energy technologies, particularly perovskite solar cells, describing them as one of the most promising emerging technologies.
He explained that unlike conventional silicon-based solar panels, perovskite solar cells could eventually be produced through low-cost printing methods, making solar energy more affordable and accessible.
However, he noted that the technology still faces durability challenges because the materials degrade when exposed to rain, humidity and high temperatures.
“Nigerian researchers are already working on improving the stability of perovskite materials so they can withstand environmental conditions.
“This is the type of research government should actively support because it has the potential to transform energy access across the country, especially in rural communities,” he said.
Abimbola further stated that AI could accelerate efforts to develop more durable perovskite materials by complementing human expertise with advanced computational analysis.
Despite the opportunities created by emerging technologies, he said inadequate infrastructure and insufficient funding continue to limit research and development in Nigerian universities.
According to him, although some institutions have benefited from government-backed solar power projects, major research infrastructure gaps remain.
“Power supply has improved in some universities through solar energy, which is commendable.
“However, reliable internet connectivity, dedicated high-performance computing facilities and modern laboratory equipment are still lacking.
“For advanced scientific research, you need uninterrupted electricity for specialised computers that may have to run continuously for weeks while processing complex models.
“Our laboratories are still poorly equipped. We largely teach rather than conduct cutting-edge research because the facilities required are simply not available,” he said.
Abimbola called on the government to increase investment in research infrastructure, advanced computing facilities and scientific equipment to enable Nigerian scientists to fully utilise emerging technologies and contribute meaningfully to national development.
He added that sustained funding for research and innovation would strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to address challenges in areas such as energy, climate forecasting, environmental management and advanced materials development.
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