An environmental scientist, Prof. Hilary Inyang, has called for stronger science communication frameworks to support Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
Inyang made the call on Wednesday while delivering a lecture titled “Science Communication for National Socio-Economic Development” at the ongoing First National Conference on Science, Technology, and Innovation Communication (STICOMMS 2026).
The event is organized by the African University of Science and Technology (AUST) with the theme “ “Communicating science, technology, and innovation for national development.”
He said effective science communication was critical to translating complex scientific data into policies, programs, and innovations capable of improving national competitiveness.
According to him, “clear and inclusive communication of science enhances decision-making, promotes public understanding, and strengthens executive, legislative, and public support for national initiatives.’’
Inyang, who doubles as Founding Director of the Global Institute for Sustainable Development, Advanced Analyses and Design (GISDAAD), United States, identified energy, environment, health, infrastructure, and disaster risk management as key sectors where science communication is indispensable.
He also highlighted challenges in communicating scientific risks and probabilistic events to non-scientists, such as simplifying complex concepts without losing accuracy, bridging gaps in audience knowledge and literacy,
`“Overcoming jargon barriers and ensuring messages resonate with diverse values and perspectives while avoiding misinterpretation or misinformation is key to effective science communication,” he said.
He also urged scientists on adoption of visual tools, simplified language, and ethical standards to deepen public engagement to mitigate these challenges.
`“We call on policymakers, researchers, and science communicators to prioritize science communication as a strategic instrument for achieving sustainable development goals in Nigeria and across Africa,” he said.
Earlier in his address, the president of AUST, Prof. Azikiwe Onwualu, said the conference was aimed at advancing national development through science, technology, innovation, and effective communication.
Prof. Onwualu described the conference as timely and strategic, noting that while scientific discoveries and technological innovations were reshaping economies globally, their true value lay in how knowledge was communicated, understood, and applied.
“Poor communication could disconnect impactful research from public policy, industry application, and societal benefit.’’
“Effective science communication was particularly important for developing countries in addressing challenges such as public health, education, food security, climate change, digital transformation, security, and sustainable economic growth,’’ he said.
He added that the conference provided a platform for interdisciplinary engagement among scientists, technologists, entrepreneurs, journalists, civil society groups, and policymakers, in line with the triple helix model of innovation.
Onwualu said the university had established an innovation hub, AUSTInspire, to promote the commercialization of research outcomes.
“AUST had registered 12 patents in the last two years and was working with industry and government partners towards commercializing them,’’ he said.
He invited investors and entrepreneurs to collaborate with the university in developing innovative solutions to Nigeria’s development challenges.
The highlight of the conference was the presentation of the “Best Productive Governor” award to Gov. Mohammed Bago of Niger State, who was represented by the Chairman of Niger Food Ltd., Mr. Sammy Adigun, and the Commissioner of Water Resources and Irrigation Services, Mr. Farouk Audi.
