It can be recalled that when the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) was set up about 40 years ago, it was to serve as the nation’s apex think tank and serve as a high-level centre of reflection, research, and dialogue.
Over the years, NIPSS continued to attract academics of intellectual excellence, policy initiators and executors and other accomplished citizens with a high level of practical experience from different sectors of national life.
It has been a melting pot where informed minds meet to reflect and exchange ideas on the great issues of society, particularly as they relate to Nigeria and Africa.
Also, the institute has a mandate to identify, assemble, and deploy to the best national advantage, the country’s intellectual talents and experienced policy analysts in the cutting-edge examination of pertinent issues of national, regional and international concerns through research, seminars, workshops and other action-oriented programmes.
Notwithstanding, 40 years after the establishment of the institute, the question being asked is whether NIPSS, as it is being called, has been able to achieve the purpose for which it was established.
Speaking during an event to mark its 40th anniversary, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo disclosed that the institute has made immense contributions to national development since it was established.
In his words “Apart from providing top-level capacity building for policy makers and executors from both the public and private sectors, the Institute also regularly makes valuable input to government policies”, Osinbajo said.
The Vice President also argued that some of “the biggest ideas of the twentieth century; the creation of the United Nations, nuclear non-proliferation and arms control among others, were articulated by leading minds-similar to those whom we have at NIPSS.
These ideas have changed public life for the better and, in the most profound ways, have defined the world order and established settled norms.”
The number two citizen believed that research for its own sake will not move the society forward.
He rather opined that research undertaken at NIPSS must always address priority areas which are rooted in the Nigerian reality and required ideas that can propel the nation forward.