The House of Representatives Committee on Science Research Institute has reiterated its commitment to ensure that research institutes in the country meet the demands of Nigerians.
The Chairman of the Committee, Mr. Olaide Akinremi made the commitment at an interactive session with the Chief Executive Officers of Science Research Institutes in Abuja.
The lawmaker said that ”the session was to bring together all stakeholders to analyse their successes, challenges and proffer legislative solutions.”
To ensure optimal service delivery, Mr. Akinremi stated that the committee would undertake extensive and analytical review of statutory, administrative, accounting, and technical processes of the institutes.
According to him, the committee shall carry out its mandate in such a way that will enhance a comprehensive policy and operational evaluation and assessment.
“The clear mandate of your role is undebatable , we shall fully identify with your Mission and Vision, and shall actualise these without fear and favour.
”To enable us begin our work, we have made a request for you to send us key Information and Documents that shall form the basis for further interactions with your agencies…This first interactive meeting shall activate the relationship between the committee and agencies under its oversight responsibilities, and we are committed to ensuring that there’s a harmonious working relationship that brings about dividends for Nigeria,” Mr. Akinremi added.
The Director-General, Nigerian Institute of Science and Technology, Ibadan (NISTI), Dr. Gbadegesin Yemi , responding on behalf of others, told the lawmakers that the institute would stick to the procurement rules.
Dr. Yemi said that the NISTI had developed Science Laboratory Technology (SLT) course curriculum for universities that would enable students to man laboratories in Nigeria when they graduate.
He said that “almost all polytechnics in the country were offering the Science Laboratory Technology course but were not following the curriculum developed by the institute.”
Dr. Yemi added that institutions producing graduates in Microbiology, Chemistry and others without the Science Technology Laboratory curriculum as established by the Act of parliament were simply producing quacks.
Lateefah Ibrahim
