The Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN, today received the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, in Abuja as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration between government and academia in advancing research, innovation, technological development, and national growth.
During the meeting, Dr. Udeh emphasized the need for Nigeria to move beyond research conducted solely for academic purposes and focus on translating scientific discoveries into market-driven products and services capable of driving industrial growth, economic diversification, job creation, and national prosperity.
The Minister highlighted the Ministry’s flagship initiative, Energize Commercialization Now (ECoN), which is designed to identify promising innovations, facilitate technology transfer, strengthen industry partnerships, attract investment, and accelerate the commercialization of research outputs for the benefit of Nigerians.
He further stated that the Ministry remains committed to building a robust innovation ecosystem that promotes collaboration among government institutions, academia, industry, and development partners, stressing that sustainable national development can only be achieved when critical stakeholders work together toward shared goals.
Dr. Udeh reaffirmed the Ministry’s readiness to deepen its partnership with the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, particularly in areas that will enhance research excellence, technological advancement, innovation commercialization, and capacity development for national transformation.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Mukhtar Yawale Muhammad,mni described the visit as timely, noting that it aligns with the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to unlock and commercialize the vast pool of research outputs generated by Nigeria’s research institutions and universities. He emphasized the importance of strengthening collaboration between government and the academia to build the research, innovation, and commercialization capacities of universities, ensuring that research findings are transformed into practical solutions that address national challenges, create jobs, and contribute to sustainable economic growth.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of UNN, Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, stated that the purpose of the visit was to explore areas of collaboration with the Ministry, particularly in Artificial Intelligence, capacity building, engineering, climate science, and environmental science, with a view to supporting sustainable development and strengthening Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem.
Prof. Ortuanya commended the Honourable Minister for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to positioning Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) as key drivers of national development. He expressed the University’s readiness to partner with the Ministry in advancing impactful research and innovation initiatives that will contribute to Nigeria’s socio-economic growth.
Mrs. Pauline Sule, anipr
Head, Press and Public Relations
