The Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN has called for increased investment in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) as a catalyst for national development and sustainable economic growth.
The Minister made the call during a press briefing to commemorate the 2026 World Science Day (WSD) for Peace and Development, celebrated annually every November 10 in Abuja in collaboration with United Nations Educational, and Cultural Organizations (UNESCO).
Udeh noted that STI remains a critical tool for addressing the country’s developmental challenges, creating employment opportunities, improving the quality of life of the citizens and strengthening Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global economy.
He emphasized that Nigeria must move beyond theoretical research to the commercialisation and application of locally developed technologies, noting that home-grown innovations have significant potential to drive industrialization.
In his welcome remarks the Permanent Secretary Dr. Muktar Yawale Muhammad,mni said that science transcends political, geographical and ideological boundaries, describing it as a universal language capable of fostering collaboration, addressing shared global challenges and building peaceful and sustainable societies.
During his presentation, the Country representative UNESCO), Dr. Isaias Barreto da Rosa who was represented by the Head of Sciences Sector Abuja Office Dr. Enang Moma said WSD is celebrated every year to bring Science closer to the society by highlighting key scientific aspect and possible solutions. He implore Nigeria to open science and stressed that UNESCO is committed to supporting Nigeria in developing strategies that reflect its national priorities and realities, while aligning with international principles, standards, guidelines and best practices.
In his vote of thanks, the Director of Science Technology and Promotion Department , FMIST, Mr Agoro Olayiwola appreciated all the participants including UNESCO for partnering with the Ministry stating that the celebration has again reinforced the importance of Science as a catalyst for national development and sustainable growth as the ministry remained committed to strenghtning partnership and fostering greatercollaboration towards advancing STI in Nigeria.
The celebration also featured a STEM quiz competition and project exhibition among secondary schools, aimed at promoting scientific knowledge, creativity and innovation among students. Government Science and Technical College, Garki, emerged first in the project exhibition, while Fulip International College clinched the top position in the STEM quiz competition.
In a related development the Minister also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening food safety, quality assurance and professional standards in Nigeria’s food industry through the effective implementation of the mandate of the Nigerian Council of Food Science and Technology (NiCFoST) during the Advocacy of Ending Unsaved Food Practices in NIgeriá.
The Minister stated that food science and technology remain critical to national development, particularly in addressing challenges relating to food safety, food preservation, processing, storage, nutrition and food to security. He called for stronger international scientific cooperation and strategic partnerships to harness the power of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) in addressing global challenges, promoting peaceful coexistence and accelerating sustainable development.
Mrs. Pauline Sule,mnipr,
FMIST
