The Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, has charged management and staff of the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology (FMIST) to embrace unity, professionalism, accountability and dedication to duty to strengthen institutional performance and advance the Ministry’s mandate in driving national development through science, technology and innovation.
The Minister gave the charge on Tuesday, 20th October, 2026, during a Town Hall Meeting with Directors, Heads of Departments and staff of the Ministry, organised to strengthen internal communication, foster collaboration and provide a platform for constructive engagement on issues affecting the Ministry’s operations and service delivery.
Dr. Udeh emphasised that the successful implementation of the Ministry’s policies, programmes and initiatives depended on the collective commitment of its workforce. He urged Directors and Heads of Departments to provide purposeful leadership, promote teamwork and ensure that staff discharged their responsibilities efficiently in accordance with public service rules and established professional standards.
The Minister further encouraged staff to embrace innovation in their daily activities, remain proactive and demonstrate positive attitudes towards work. He stressed that personnel must translate the Ministry’s innovation-driven mandate into practical improvements in institutional efficiency, productivity and service delivery, in alignment with the Federal Government’s development priorities.
In his opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mukhtar Yawale Muhammad, mni, called on staff to demonstrate professionalism, responsibility and commitment in the discharge of their duties. He noted that achieving the Ministry’s objectives required the active participation, cooperation and dedication of every member of staff, irrespective of rank or department.
Dr. Muhammad described the Town Hall Meeting as an important platform for management and staff to exchange views, address operational concerns and strengthen working relationships across the Ministry. He encouraged participants to engage constructively and work collectively towards building a more efficient, responsive and results-oriented institution.
In his remarks, the Director of Human Resource Management, Mr. Mark Ochala, underscored the importance of ethical conduct, punctuality, accountability and mutual respect in the workplace. He noted that a disciplined and productive workforce remained essential to the effective implementation of government policies, programmes and initiatives.
Earlier, the Joint Union Chairperson of the Ministry, Mr. Kolawole Joseph, commended the Honourable Minister for providing an opportunity for staff to interact directly with the Ministry’s leadership, express their concerns and contribute ideas towards improving institutional performance. He described the engagement as a valuable step towards strengthening communication and fostering a more inclusive working environment.
Mr. Joseph also acknowledged the Minister’s efforts to reposition the Ministry as a key driver of Nigeria’s development through science, technology and innovation. He highlighted initiatives such as Energise Commercialisation Now (ECoN), the Youth and Students in Innovation Initiative (YSII), and the establishment of the National Research and Innovation Development Fund (NRIDF), among other interventions aimed at strengthening innovation, promoting commercialisation and supporting national development.
Mrs. Pauline Sule, mnipr
Head, Press and Public Relations Unit
