23rd June, 2014
The Federal Ministry of Science and Technology said there was need for adequate popularisation and commercialisation of major research developments in products and services.
Winifred Oyo-Ita, Permanent Secretary in the ministry, said this at the 13th meeting of the National Council on Science and Technology (NCST) in Minna on Monday themed: “Science, Technology and Innovation Policy: Prospects and Challenges of its Implementation at the grassroots.”
She said the ministry was intensifying efforts to ensure that Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) contributed significantly to the economic growth of the nation.
“To ensure that STI contributes significantly to the economic growth of our nation, the ministry in 2012 launched the revised STI policy with specific objectives to refocus attention on areas of priority.
“I am delighted to inform this gathering that significant progress has been recorded in the nation’s science and technology agenda after the launch of the policy”, she said.
She said the forum would provide opportunity for STI stakeholders to interact and exchange ideas and information that would contribute to the growth of the sector.
“I urge you to make new friends, while looking out for collaborators and partners in useful areas of research and development.”
“This is with the aim of designing new products and services that will enhance national development.”
Niger State’s Commissioner for Science and Technology, Abbas Bello, said the success of any nation was dependent on innovation at the grassroots.
“We believe this considering the fact that the majority of our citizens live in the rural areas,’ he said.
According to him, the outcome of the meeting will help to reassess ward programmes and re-align implementation through STI policy to stimulate economic growth in communities.