The Nigerian government is set to drive development in the country through innovative industrialisation and competitiveness.
The Country’s Minister of Science, Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, announced this while unveiling the new name of the Ministry.
The Minister noted that the new name, Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation FMSTI follows the approval of the National Science, Technology and Innovation Roadmap (NSTIR 2017-2030) by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2017, to use Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) to catalyse Nigeria’s Economic growth and competitiveness.
According to the Minister, the Ministry will embark on a branding campaign in line with its expected mandate in ensuring improvement in productivity, economic growth and societal development through Science, Technology and Innovation.
He noted that, “the change of name of the Ministry will help us to meet the needs of other sectors of the Nigerian economy and all stakeholders, by supporting the generation and application of knowledge and Innovation to solve socio-economic challenges, as well as providing a policy and funding environment that will establish the National System of Innovation (NSI).”
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Dr. Onu explained that, as an enabler of government, society and industry through policy, the Ministry will also focus on ensuring the provision of Science, Technology and Innovation STI-based solutions to overcome international, National and societal challenges.
“This approval of the change of name will be gazetted to enable legal and policy frameworks as back-up for institutional and organizational arrangements, effective coordination of the NSI, development of appropriate work programmes and job description,” he added.
The Minister stated some of the other benefits of the name change and repositioning of the Ministry which includes;
* Irreversible indigenous industrialisation
* Platform for higher productivity
* Job creation and quality employment generation in the economy.
* Significant level of poverty alleviation.”
The Minister reiterated the determination of the Ministry to use Science, Technology and Innovation to help Nigeria overcome some challenges, generate employment, strengthen the currency, defeat hunger and drive the nation to success and prosperity.
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