The Vice Chancellor of David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu, Professor Jesse Uneke, has called on key stakeholders across all sectors in Nigeria to champion evidence-informed policymaking (EIPM) within their respective ministries, departments, and agencies.
This, he believes, will facilitate the optimal utilization of existing resources and strategically position all sectors of the economy for essential national development.
Prof. Uneke made this appeal during a Stakeholders Consultation/Engagement Workshop held in Abuja. The workshop, organized in collaboration with the African Institute for Health Policy and Systems, WHO Collaboration Centre, Ebonyi State University Abakaliki, and other partners such as the African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP) and the International Development Research Center (IDRC) Canada, aimed at fostering discussions on the adoption and institutionalization of evidence-informed policymaking.
Highlighting the importance of incorporating EIPM into Nigeria’s governance framework, Professor Uneke emphasized its role in enhancing the judicious use of available resources and revitalizing all sectors.
The stakeholders engaged in a comprehensive deliberative session, identifying barriers and facilitators to evidence-informed policymaking within their respective ministries, departments, and agencies. The barriers identified included knowledge gaps, bureaucratic bottlenecks, and low political will.
