The Minister of State for Science and Technology, Mohammed Abdullahi, has called for synergy among nations in the field of science and technology so as to promote wealth.
Mohammed Abdullahi said this in a paper he delivered titled ‘Technology as a key driver to Nation building-opportunities and collaborations’ at the 1st immaculate Heart Comprehensive High School for Young Entrepreneurs & Company Executives in Lagos on Sunday.
According to him, covid-19 pandemic is a wake-up call for effective cooperation among nations and forging public trust in science. He therefore urged developing countries to prioritize Science, Technology and Innovation in the scheme of things.
In his words “Today countries are classified as developed and developing countries”.
Accordingly, he said this classification was based on economic index and the application of (Science, Technology and Innovation) STI.
Abdullahi said that if carefully analyzed, one would get the understanding that countries, which have strong science and technology, are the ones that develop faster.
The Minister emphasized that innovation had become the key driver of economic, industrial development and technology advancement of any nation.
The success of any nation is achieved through the effectiveness of the National Innovation System (NIS), he said.
Nigeria, he stated, has adopted ‘STI Roadmap 2017-2030’ which embraces nanotechnology, space technology, engineering, chemical technology, biotechnology, leather technology etc.
Mohammed Abdullahi also spoke of the strides of the Ministry in National Leather Products Policy that help Nigeria boost her economy. “Through Leather and Textile, Nigeria will be able to develop more sophisticated technologies” he added.
Likewise, he said the Ministry is also planning to establish National Science and Technology Museum where historic scientific technological, artistic and cultural objects would be stored and displayed for hands-on exhibition.
Visitors will have the opportunity to touch, dismantle and reassemble items on display. He added that, it would afford children hands-on experience of different scientific processes.
He also noted that the National Board for Technology Incubation has, through its various programmes, so far has been helping to stem unemployment in the country.
Maryam Zakari
Press Secretary
For: DD (Press)
FMST
4th April 2021
