The Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology (FMIST) in Nigeria has awarded a school in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) the sum of one million naira (N1,000,000) for emerging winner of the quiz competition in commemoration of the World Science Day, which was commemorated on Friday, 10 November 2023.
Receiving the award was Government Science Secondary School, Pyakasa, for the quiz competition while Government Science Technical College, Garki Area 3, was also awarded the sum of five hundred thousand naira (N500,000) for emerging winner in the project exhibition category.
Presenting the award to them, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, said that the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology remains dedicated to upholding trust in science and also fostering a friendly environment where the public places confidence in the integrity and reliability of scientific discoveries and innovations.
Represented by his Technical Adviser on Strategy and Programmes, Prof. Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso, the minister said the ministry, through the National Board for Technology Incubation, established Technology Incubation Centres across the 36 states of the federation, designed to nurture and grow new and small businesses, products, innovations and entrepreneurs by supporting them through the early stages of development.
“In our efforts to encourage trust in the nation’s scientific potential and nurture a culture of catching them young in excellent scientific pursuits, the ministry has been organizing the 774 Young Nigerian Scientists Presidential Award annually.
“This programme is carried out across the 774 local government areas (LGA) of the federation through competitive examinations for secondary school students in the basic sciences to produce the best candidates at the LGA level.
“The states’ best students compete at the grand finale in Abuja, where the winners (1st, 2nd and 3rd positions) receive a presidential handshake and cash award of N1, 000,000; N750, 000; and 500,000, respectively, as well as scholarships from first degree up to PhD level in any of the public universities of their choice in Nigeria,” he explained.
The minister added that the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology has developed many policies and programmes in its effort to build the trust of the society in the sciences, such as the 2022 reviewed National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy; the National Science, Technology and Innovation Roadmap (NSTIR) 2017 2030; the National Strategy for Competitiveness in Raw Materials and Product Development in Nigeria; and the Presidential Executive Order No. 5 for Planning and Execution of Projects, amongst others.
He further disclosed that the ministry has developed the National Policy on Nano-technology, which will soon be presented to the Federal Executive Council for consideration and approval to quicken the national nano-technology development for economic diversification.
The minister urged stakeholders to reinforce their commitment to transparent, accountable, and ethically driven scientific practices by upholding trust in science to pave the way for sustainable and inclusive scientific development in Nigeria.
“It is crucial to recognize that trust in science extends beyond laboratories and research centers.
“It permeates our communities, educational institutions, and policy-making bodies.
“You are to note that building and maintaining trust in science is a collective responsibility that requires the collaboration of scientists, policymakers, educators, and the general public,” Nnaji said.
The Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mr James Sule, was represented by the Director, Science, Technology and Promotions (STP), Mr. Ukpong Ronald Okon.
“The event is happening simultaneously across the country. It is a platform where citizens are kept abreast of developments in the field of science.
“This occasion cannot achieve its objectives without the contributions of one of the major stakeholders of the ministry – the media.
“I, therefore, enjoin you to ensure that the key highlights of the event get to every Nigerian wherever for knowledge and appreciation of science,” he noted.
The Secretary-General, Nigerian National Commission for United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Dr. Olagunju Idowu, who was represented by Mrs. Ayara Eunice Oluremi, said that building trust in science requires knowing the source of information, its reliability, transparency and accountability.
“Science is the application of knowledge and understanding of the national and social world with a systematic methodology,” she said.
The theme of this year’s celebration is “Building Trust in Science”.
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