As Nigeria joins the rest of the world in commemorating World Science Day, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to utilising science, technology, and innovation for the socio-economic development of the country.
The Minister made this statement at an event marking the 2024 World Science Day, with the theme “Why Science Matters: Engaging Minds and Empowering Futures.”
He noted that the Ministry is dedicated to driving partnerships across sectors, further highlighting the need for global collaboration to address challenges such as pandemics, food security, and the climate crisis.
“With over 22 international collaborations, we are advancing in areas like the methanol revolution, green hydrogen technology, city development, and space technology, bringing scholarships and resources to strengthen our science, technology, and innovation capabilities,” he said.
He added that the Ministry is also investing in Nigeria’s future through initiatives such as the AI Academy, cassava value chain development, and programmes for youths and innovators.
“This World Science Day, its missions and a quiz competition aim to inspire students in science,” the Minister added.
He reiterated the Ministry’s dedication to advancing research, aligning Nigeria’s values with global scientific and technological goals, and strengthening its role in international science, technology, and innovation networks.
The Permanent Secretary, of the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Esuabana Nko-Asanye, who was represented by the Director of Science and Technology Promotion of the Ministry, Mr. Ronald Okonkwo Ukpong, said that the theme emphasises the limitless potential of science to transform the entire world through collaboration and collective action.
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“The objectives of World Science Day are to strengthen public awareness of the role of science in peaceful and sustainable societies; promote national and international solidarity for shared science between countries; renew global commitments for the use of science for the benefit of societies; draw attention to the challenges faced by scientists; and raise support for scientific endeavours, among other aims,” she said.
She added that significant scientific progress has been made over the years, but more work lies ahead. She therefore urged everyone to explore ways to further the cause of science in the country.
The Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), Ms Audrey Azoulay, represented by the Head of the Science Sector, UNESCO Abuja office, Dr Enang Moma, noted that science, by seeking responses to climate crises, epidemics, and resource shortages, helps mitigate the root causes of many conflicts.
“World Science Day for Peace and Development celebrates this impetus, which is reinforced by the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (2024–2033) proclaimed last year by the United Nations and placed under UNESCO’s leadership. This Decade encourages collaboration to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by increasing synergies between basic, applied, and human sciences, and by strengthening cooperation in this area between governments, United Nations agencies, the private sector, and civil society.”
She also noted that UNESCO supports the work of women scientists, who currently account for only a third of the world’s researchers.
Highlights of the events included quiz competitions among four secondary school students in the FCT, with awards given to the winners, as well as exhibitions of innovations and inventions from other secondary school students, which were also recognised and awarded.
The overall winner of the quiz competition, Okoro Gelasius Izuchukwu from Federal Government Boys College, Apo, expressed his delight, stating that the competition has motivated him to be more creative, conduct further research, and develop more innovative ideas.
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