January 18, 2024
Chief Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology said states should align their technological advancements with local priorities.
The minister said this at the first edition of the interactive forum for state commissioners in charge of science and technology in Abuja on Thursday.
Nnaji implored states to also provide solutions for region-specific challenges and promote a more robust and resilient scientific ecosystem that fosters collaboration and knowledge sharing.
“This alignment will ensure inclusivity, unlock the immense potential of our nation’s intellectual and technological resources, while propelling our states to the forefront of technological advancements,” he said.
The minister also urged the state commissioners to actively engage the local industries, research institutions, and community stakeholders.
He said by fostering collaborative partnerships, the impact of Nigeria’s scientific endeavors would be amplified and a seamless transition from research to application would be created.
The minister added that this would facilitate economic growth and ensure that the nation’s technological advancements meet the needs of citizens.
“As Nigeria transits from a resource to a knowledge-based economy driven by innovation, it is worth emphasising that this task is daunting but certainly surmountable, and will require strong commitment, continuous learning and adaptive strategies.
” Let us therefore, approach it with a sense of urgency, recognizing that the decisions we make today will shape the future of our scientific landscape, ” Nnaji said.
Earlier, Mrs Esuabana Asanye, Permanent Secretary of the ministry said the import of the gathering was to broaden the scope, buy-in and implementation of the National Science and Technology Roadmap(NSTR-2017-2030).
She said the roadmap represented the desire to implement the revised 2022 National Policy on Science, Technology and Innovation (NSTIP).
Asanye stressed that this would hasten innovation, economic growth as well as inclusive scientific development in all species of national aspiration.
She said: “The task before us is a shared responsibility to harness the full potential of our sub national for the national scientific landscape, for environmental sustainability and curbing climate devastation.
“Each state has it’s unique demographic resourcefulness and if properly managed, would exponentially foster the culture of innovation at the grassroot level for sustainable development. “(NAN)
