The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji has said that Nigeria’s research and innovation ecosystem is ripe for commercialization; hence the need to build together the infrastructure and ecosystem to take those ideas to market.
The Minister disclosed this at the Research and Innovation workshop held + recently, in Lagos.
Nnaji who was represented by his Special Assistant Engr. Patricks Oghuma PhD noted that Nigeria’s path to sustainable development is anchored in a bold strategy that priorities research and innovation is the foundation for solving pressing local challenges.
He said that the workshop will usher in a new era in which Nigerian ideas will not only find their way into journals but will also drive industries, generate employment, and establish the nation as a goal center for innovation.
The Minister emphasized that with commericization and scaling up prototypes, the Ministry is well positioned to close the gap between research, innovation and the market, adding that this will encourage domestic technologies, lessen our dependency on foreign technologies, save foreign exchange, create jobs and generate wealth for the benefit of the populace.
He further said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the creation of Inter-Ministerial Committee on Research and Innovation chaired by the Vice-President Senator Kashim Shettima with the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology as the Coordinating Ministry.
He then urged the participants to engage actively in all sessions, Network intentionally to build partnerships that will outlast the workshop and create wealth for the development of the nation.
Signed
Pauline Sule (Mrs.) anipr
Head, Information &PRU
