Nigeria unveils revised Science Technology and Innovation Policy

The Nigerian government has unveiled the 2022 Revised National Policy on Science Technology and Innovation

The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu on behalf of the Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari, unveiled the policy during the opening ceremony of the 6th edition of the annual Science Expo in Abuja, the nation’s capital

According to him, the 2022 edition of the Science Expo is a prime opportunity to reveal the contents of the revised policy to Nigerians.

The Minister explained that the Nigerian government would continue to support the annual Science, Technology and Innovation Expo in order to promote Research, Development and the Global competitiveness of the country.

Dr Onu, who also launched the Sciencetv, said both projects are aimed at wealth creation for the youths and women across Nigeria.

“The 2022 Revised National Policy on Science Technology and Innovation, NSTIP is a document which I believe will not only serve as a principal document for the full diversification of the Nigerian economy but will be a lasting legacy to both present and future generations of Nigerians for the promotion of a knowledge economy. The STI television will be used for extensive advocacy to inculcate Science, Technology and Innovation as part of our everyday life in the country.

“The STI television will be used for extensive advocacy to inculcate Science, Technology and Innovation as part of our everyday life in the country.”

According to the Minister, the Science fair is to help investors and innovators of various Science feats to offer opportunity, synergise and also promote the application of Science Technology and Innovation as well as work and share ideas for Research Development and commercialization of research findings in Nigeria.

“The annual Science, Technology and Innovation Expo organized by the Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation is a platform for bringing our Inventors and Researchers, Scientists, Government, Academia, Private Sector and many other stakeholders together for the purpose of sharing ideas for Research, Development, Innovation, and Commercialization of research results.”

He, therefore, called on the researchers and inventors in the country to leverage on his administration to showcase their potentials.

“I would like to urge all the Researchers, Inventors and Innovators in the country to leverage on this commitment of my administration to showcase their potentials and talents to the world through innovations that are capable of being commercialised for the transformation of our economy in  a sustainable manner”

“The leadership of the Federal Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation also must be commended for their efforts in the Promotion of the movement of the Nigerian Economy from Resource to Knowledge-based Economy using Science, Technology and innovation. This will no doubt continue to ensure increased productivity and improve our competitiveness in the global economy.”

Earlier in his welcome address, the Minister of State for Science, Technology and Innovation, Barrister Mohammed Abdullahi said that Nigeria can be classified amongst the most industrialised nations of the world in the nearest future if she scales up and upgrades her scientific innovations.

He emphasised that due to global economic and security malaise, the Federal Government has resolved to massively deploy indigenous technologies as a strategy to save the nation from these challenges.

Abdullahi further called on researchers to build on the innovations showcased at the expo until they achieve full commercialisation.

He appreciated President Buhari’s passion for Nigeria’s development and for allowing STI to gain a foothold in the drive towards socio-economic growth.

“This decision is laudable and is exemplified by the recent approval by the Federal Executive Council of the revised STI policy which will propel Nigeria towards industrialisation,” he added.

Also speaking at the event, the Chairman Senate Committee on Science and Technology, Senator Uche Ekwunife urged Nigerians to follow the trend of Science technology and innovation for development in the country.

“Nigeria as a country must imbibe the culture of science technology and innovation, Government at all levels should put in place policy to encourage the private sector participation in STI.”

In his goodwill message, the Minister of Trade and Investment, Niyi Adebayo called for stronger synergy between his ministry and the ministry of Science Technology and Innovation further assuring innovators of his ministry’s assistance towards the commercialisation of research results.

Similarly, the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Samuela Isopi said that Nigerian innovators through “Horizon Europe” can submit proposals for innovation grants.

She said STI development is core to the bilateral agreements between Nigeria and the European Union.

Another highlight at the event was the award of excellence to the three best students who emerged winners of the 774 young Nigerian Scientists completion from 36 States of the Federation who were granted scholarship to study any Science subject of their choice in any Nigerian University up to PHD in line with Presidential Executive order 5.

PIAK