The Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology in Nigeria has said that the Ministry is ready to partner with the University of Indonesia for staff participation in the scholarship programme in Indonesia, specifically the Internship in Research (INSPIRE) Initiative.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mrs. Esuabana Nko-Asanye disclosed this when the new Indonesian Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Bambang Suharto, paid her a courtesy visit in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
The Permanent Secretary said that Indonesia and Nigeria have enjoyed a mutual and long-standing relationship that contributes to the socio-economic development of both countries.
She also noted the need for Indonesia and Nigeria to collaborate to digitalize systems and train staff of the Ministry to improve productivity, thereby contributing to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country. The Permanent Secretary emphasized the need to invest more in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) to build skilled manpower that can compete favourably with foreign counterparts.
Esuabana commended the new Indonesian Ambassador for building on the long-standing relationship, which will lead to further technological advancement for both countries.
Earlier, the new Indonesian Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Bambang Suharto, said that the purpose of his visit was to consolidate the already existing relationship and to collaborate in the area of science and technology, noting that Nigeria and Indonesia share common characteristics such as population and agriculture, among others.
He also said that with these similarities, the two nations can work together in science by applying technology to boost the blue economy, move from waste to wealth, and create opportunities for individuals to become entrepreneurs who will contribute to the country’s growth and development.
REUTERS/S.S