…As Ministry Changes Status
By Ignatius Okorocha
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister,Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, On Friday decried the missing link between research and industries in Nigeria.
Onu who stated this in Abuja at a media briefing to announce the change of name of the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology to Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, yesterday said some of the research works in Nigeria are not industry and services demand-driven.
He pointed out that research works in the universities or research institutes in the country are often done for career promotion of their owners, rather than for the production of products and services that would benefit Nigerians.
Consequently, he vowed that the ministry would ensure from henceforth that Research and Development(R&D) will not only solve problems but also ensure that they respond to the needs of industries.
He said: ” We believe that once we use research and development in solving our problems, as a nation, we will be in a position to increase our domestic production and reduce the importation of goods.”
According to the Minister this situation would also help in the balance of payment and strengthening of Nigeria’s foreign exchange.
Giving further reasons for the change of name of the ministry, Onu said, “This change of name will help us to meet the needs of other sectors of the Nigerian economy and all stakeholders, by supporting the generation and application of knowledge and innovation to solve socio-economic challenges, as well as providing a policy and funding environment that will establish the National System of Innovation.
“Initially, only Science and Technology remained our domain. However, only Science and Technology cannot move the nation to its desired global competitiveness level.
“Hence, Science, Technology and Innovation will spark off a demand- driven knowldge-based economy, characterised by industry and services research and development programmes, projects and activities within the STI ecosystem.”
Onu expressed optimism that STI would become the engine that would drive Nigeria on the path of success, prosperity, self-reliance and greatness in the near future.
It would be recalled that the Federal Executive Council had in 2017, approved the National Science, Technology and Innovation Roadmap(2017-2030).
The Roadmap was tailored to use Science, Technology and Innovation(STI) to catalyse Nigeria’s economic growth and competitiveness.
