'Why National Research Council met Once in 30 Years'
By Dele Ogbodo in Abuja
The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, yesterday said the National Research and Innovation Council (NRIC) met for the first time last month since it was established over 30 years ago, because of the lack of effective national coordination synergies.
The disclosure was contained in a statement signed by Mr. Taye Akinyemi, the Chief Press Secretary to the minister while his boss was receiving a delegation of the Nigerian Academy of Science, led its President, Prof. Oyewale Tomori in Abuja.
According to him, the council was set up to proffers ways of move Nigeria forward using Science, Technology and Innovations (STIs).
Onu, however assured that the ministry would strengthen the capacity for creative innovation and research in the science and technology sector.
According to him, the ministry had commenced the re-engineering process in the sector with a view to setting standards in programme implementation, and changing the national consciousness of Nigerians to embrace the sector.
He added that Science and Technology played a pivotal role in shaping the future of youths and encouraged parents to support their wards to develop interest in science and technology as this is one way to secure the future of our nation.
The minister assured Nigerians of the present administration’s determination to harness both the human and natural resources to build a better Nigeria by diversifying the economy, wealth and job creation, security and the rule of law through the application of innovations in science and technology sector.
According to him, the NRIC which is chaired by the President Muhammadu Buhari, with the Secretariat domiciled in the ministry had 15 ministers as members with the opportunity of researchers and innovators from both public and private sectors drawing from the National Research and Innovation Fund when eventually established.
He also invited the Academy to assist the ministry in the past, in the production of the science and technology journals especially in the areas of research and development that will assist in the country’s socio economic growth.
In a remark, Tomori, said that the appointment of the Onu as minister in the sector had provided an opportunity for all in the science and technology with a distinct voice that was confirming the importance and relevance of science and technology to national development.
He assured the minister of the support of the Academy to his efforts in the science sector and urged him to collaborate in harnessing the human and expertise available in the industry.
Tomori admitted Nigeria could reduce poverty, create wealth, diversify the economy and improve the security of life and properties through the application of science and technology.
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