Tech
The president is poised to send a bill to the National Assembly for the establishment of special fund for science and technology in the country
President Muhammadu Buhari has mooted the idea of special funding for the promotion of science and technology. In fact, a bill to this effect is in the works and will soon reach the National Assembly.
The cheery news was conveyed by Boss Mustapha, the secretary to the government of the federation, who on Tuesday, January 15, represented the president at the opening of the week-long annual Technology and Innovation Expo in Enugu.
The National Research and Innovation Bill also include a policy framework to promote value addition to raw materials and enhance the country’s earnings from its natural endowments, he disclosed.
The president urged private sector investors to partner with the research institutes in the country with a view to commercialise the various innovations and patents in agriculture, health and industrial technology.
He praised the efforts of the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology for adopting a fresh approach to the promotion of science and technology even as he tasked the ministry to find solutions to the various socio-economic challenges facing the country.
The president announced automatic scholarships for three young scientists who excelled at the 2018 Young Nigerian Scientists competition which captured 774 young people across the country. The beneficiaries are Favour Obiajulu Okeke from the Federal Capital Territory; Daniel Fisayo Fafemi (Kwara) and John Mark Joshua ( Akwa Ibom).
Attendance by a four member Portuguese delegation. Two previous editons in Abuja, rhird in Enugu.
Ogbonnaya Onu, the minister of Science and Technology, said the Expo, now in its third year, was designed to promote science and technology inventions in Nigeria while expressing strong confidence that science holds the solution to diseases and poverty in Africa.
He asked investors to tap into discoveries by indigenous research institutes and local inventors to fast track efforts at boosting science education and industrial production in the country.
He said the ministry has adopted a road map to minimize the challenges of Nigeria’s susceptibility to the vagaries of international fortunes of crude oil. “Our ultimate goal is to find jobs for all Nigerians. It is a long term policy to transform the country into a self resilient economy like Japan and China. We can also learn from India, Singapore whose foundations were built on science and technology. We are making steady process through our research institutes and agencies,” said the minister.
With no fewer than 55 patents, up from only six in 2016, the minister said there are strong signs that Nigeria is on course. “We have aroused interest of Nigerians in science and technology, especially among young ones in colleges and universities. And today, the president will present awards to 774 Young Nigerians Scientists, spread across the country,’ Dr. Onu disclosed.
Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, the Enugu State governor, said the fair underscores the commitment of the Federal Government to promote science and technology as catalyst for rapid development, job creation and poverty eradication.
He disclosed that his state has adopted policies to encourage investment in science research and innovations, especially in ICT, biotechnology and agriculture.
– Jan. 16, 2019 @ 19:09 GMT |
Tags: Buhari places Technology on the Front Burner
