No nation in the world has been known to progress when educational development is neglected. In fact, no nation develops beyond progress achieved in education. Countries that treat education with levity do so at their own peril. For a knowledge-driven world as we have today, investment in research and development (R and D) is a sine qua non. Nigeria is not investing much on research and therefore not developing even though other factors such as large-scale corruption, visionless leadership, planlessness and lack of will power also account for the slow pace of development. This paper canvasses a revitalization of research as a means of fast-tracking development. It suggests a four-pronged strategy which includes robust funding; generating funds through investment; force and forge linkages with the productive sector rather than encourage a "delink"; providing more Internet facilities and ensuring connectivity; and sensitizing all Nigerians about the importance of research.

 

Key words: Research, universities, development, Nigeria