ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an overview of academic research and policy research institutions in Nigeria, then a discussion of perspectives on issues relating to policy research institutions in the country and a specific discussion of the Development Policy Center. Taking cognizance of the various classes of research, namely, basic or pure research, policy, developmental, and adaptive researches, four types of research institutions may be identified in Nigeria. Nongovernmental organizations engaged in policy research are very few and nascent in Nigeria. Departments in the faculties of social sciences in the universities, along with institutes and centers of development studies, conduct research that is sometimes similar to those of think tanks, in terms of policy recommendations. The administration of the center is under a governing board that comprises members from Nigeria and other African countries. Basic points from the foregoing presentation is that at the general level, policy research outputs have not significantly influenced public policy and decision making in Nigeria.
