The Federal Government has been called upon to increase funding for research institutions to enable them to produce scientific equipment needed for national development. 
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Niger State Council, Comrade Abu Nmodu, made the call yesterday when he led other executives of the union on a courtesy visit to the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, CEO, of the Scientific Equipment Development Institute, SEDI, in Minna.
The chairman, who emphasised the need for increased funding to Scientific Equipment Development Institutes to facilitate research and production of science and technical kits needed by educational institutions in the country, said adequate funding of such institutes was necessary because of the important role being played by science and technology in the advancement of the country.
Abu Nmodu, who appreciated the contributions of SEDI in the production of educational kits for categories of schools, advised the management to partner with NUJ to guarantee effective publicity of its activities.
He then called on the MD of SEDI to assist the union by providing IBB Pen House Minna with solar power panels and training journalists on ICT to enhance their performance.
Responding, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of SEDI, Professor Baba Ndaliman, appreciated NUJ officials for the visit, assuring that journalists would be captured in its maiden ICT training while IBB Pen House Minna would be provided with solar power panels when the finances of the organisation improve.
He said the institute was established in 1992 with the mandate to carry out research on products used by schools, hospitals, and industries, adding that they have trained people in glassblowing, woodwork, wielding fabrication, and ceramics.
He explained that plans were on to train youths, women, and people living with disabilities on 10 different skills to fully utilise the Muhammadu Buhari Entrepreneurship Development Centre established in 2022 by the institute.
Professor Baba Ndaliman revealed that SEDI has carried out corporate social responsibility for the host communities to improve their standard of living and also enhance their education and health facilities.