Nigeria’s Minister of Science Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu says African countries need to add value to their abundant natural resources in order to achieve social economic development.
Dr. Onu stressed the need for socio-economic self-reliance, so as to reduce imports and for African countries to produce goods and services needed by them.
The Minister made this statement when delegates from African Union Scientific Technical and Research Commission (AU-STRC) led by his Excellency Professor Mohammed Belhocine, paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja, Nigeria.
He explained that the difference between developed and developing Countries is in terms of investment in Science Technology and Innovation, STI.
He therefore advised Africans to use their abundant natural resources to commercialize and export goods to other Countries.
Dr. Onu reiterated that with more focus on STI, African Countries would be able to create Jobs, and reduce poverty to its barest minimum.
He promised the delegation that the Ministry through one of its Agencies; National Space Research Development Agency (NASRDA) will partner with the Commission to support the Pan-African University, based in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, south-west Nigeria.
Earlier, the Commissioner of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation for the African Union Scientific Technical and Research Commission (AU-STRC), Professor Mohammed Belhocine said the purpose of his visit was to seek the collaboration and partnership of the Ministry.
He further said that the support of the Nigerian government is needed to facilitate one of the institutes of the Pan-African University based in Ibadan, adding that the Ministry should help with the provision of vital equipment needed for the institute.
