Pate made the remarks on Monday in Abuja at the SPARK Translational Research Boot Camp Conference, warning that faith alone cannot deliver meaningful progress in the health sector.
Nigeria cannot address its healthcare problems through prayers or wishful thinking, Health Minister Prof. Ali Pate has said, stressing that sustainable reforms must be guided by research, evidence, and scientific discipline.
Pate made the remarks on Monday in Abuja at the SPARK Translational Research Boot Camp Conference, warning that faith alone cannot deliver meaningful progress in the health sector.
“To improve the healthcare system, success must be based on science,” he said. “You cannot rely on prayers or hope alone. It requires rigorous scientific inquiry and evidence-based policies.
The government can support this ecosystem in collaboration with the private sector, local pharmaceutical companies, professional bodies, and international partners.”
He noted that global improvements in life expectancy, disease prevention, and quality of life were achieved through persistent scientific research.
“Science is essential for the advancement of societies. The gains in life expectancy, reduced disease burden, and better quality of life all came from applying scientific methods,” Pate explained.
The minister highlighted that Nigeria is facing multiple transitions, including population growth, rising non-communicable diseases, economic shifts, and rapid technological development.
“While infectious diseases were the main concern decades ago, today conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and neurological disorders now account for a major share of illness and death,” he said.
Pate also raised concerns about the spread of anti-science sentiments, particularly vaccine hesitancy, warning that misinformation could undo public health gains. He attributed part of the problem to the widespread use of digital devices, which often encourage superficial engagement with information.
“People read a few lines, form opinions, and act without proper understanding. This trend is fueling anti-science movements, including the anti-vaccine campaign,” he said.
Earlier, Dr Obi Adigwe, Director General of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development, emphasised the need for a global commitment to protecting science from misinformation, defunding, and political influence.
“Science has survived wars, persecutions, and disasters and has always played a vital role in rebuilding societies,” Adigwe said. He stressed that research is crucial for public health, economic growth, and national security and urged governments not to treat it as expendable.
He also called on philanthropists and development partners to invest in research that directly improves lives, noting that “science is a universal language of truth, not a partisan tool.”
Nigeria’s healthcare system continues to struggle with inadequate infrastructure, a rising burden of non-communicable diseases, and limited local research capacity. Initiatives like the Health Sector Real Investment Initiative aim to strengthen governance, expand healthcare services, and enhance the healthcare value chain.
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