The Federal government of Nigeria has called on the African Academy of Science (AAS) to utilize science to interrogate the policies of government with a view of improving on the policies for better impact on Nigerian citizens.
The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, made this call today in Abuja, during a courtesy visit on him by the President of the African Academy of Science, Prof. Felix Dapare Dakora, who was represented by the Secretary-General of the Academy, Prof. Friday Okonofua.
Bagudu noted that most of the problems being experienced in the country such as banditry, Boko Haram, silting of the Lake Chad were scientific and evidenced based that could be researched and proven; and such results would be acceptable by people because the consensus was based on trust. The Minister added that 90% of conflicts in Africa were environmental, such as, result of land failure, he therefore urged “interrogate what we do, and guide us as to how we can do it differently”.
He assured the AAS of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to partner with them to ensure their success in their endeavours.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Vitalis Emeka Obi, mni, commended the activities of AAS over the years that focused on forestry, research and bio-technology, soil and water management and hoped that the outcome of research endeavours would make impact in the above mentioned areas.
The purpose of the visit was to seek for collaboration and partnership for the Bi-annual Conference of the African Academy of Science, scheduled to take place between 8 and 12 December, 2024 at the Nicon Luxury Hotel in Abuja.
Prof. Friday Okonofua who doubles as the Chair of the upcoming Bi-Annual Conference Planning Committee was accompanied by the Lead Adviser at AAS, Prof. Hilary I. Inyang and the Technical Assistant, Mr. Misbau Yunusa Yusuf, at the Planning Committee Secretariat.
Osagie Jacobs J.I.(Mrs.)
Director (Press/PR unit)
