The Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN, has successfully facilitated the resolution of the longstanding land dispute between the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) and Ebonyi State University (EBSU), bringing an end to years of disagreement and paving the way for renewed collaboration in innovation, entrepreneurship, and technological development in Ebonyi State and Nigeria at large.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NBTI, Dr. Kazeem Kolawole Raji, to his office today in Abuja, Dr. Udeh described the resolution as a significant milestone in strengthening institutional cooperation and fostering a more conducive environment for technological advancement, youth empowerment, job creation, and economic growth. The Minister also expressed profound appreciation to the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, for his decisive intervention and unwavering commitment to peace and institutional harmony, noting that the Governor’s swift actions played a pivotal role in resolving the dispute and facilitating an amicable settlement between the parties.
He Minister emphasized that effective collaboration among stakeholders remains critical to the success of the Federal Government’s innovation and technology agenda, noting that sustainable national development can only be achieved through strategic partnerships among government institutions, academia, and the private sector.
Dr. Udeh further reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to resolving challenges that may hinder the realization of Nigeria’s innovation aspirations, stressing that the restoration of harmony between the two institutions aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the drive to build a robust national innovation ecosystem.
Earlier, the Director-General of NBTI, Dr. Kazeem Kolawole Raji, expressed profound appreciation to the Honourable Minister for his timely intervention and exemplary leadership in resolving the protracted land dispute. He noted that the Minister’s efforts brought the parties to a common understanding and laid the foundation for stronger institutional cooperation.
Dr. Raji stated that the renewed relationship between NBTI and Ebonyi State University would enhance support for startups, innovators, technology-based entrepreneurs, and young Nigerians, while further advancing NBTI’s mandate of nurturing, incubating, and commercializing indigenous technologies through technical support, business development services, and enterprise incubation programmes across the country.
Mrs. Pauline Sule, anipr
Head, Press and Public Relations
