The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji has called upon state commissioners to actively engage local industries, stakeholders and research institutions, promoting investments in science, technology and innovation (STI) for the technological advancement of Nigeria.
This appeal was made during the inaugural interactive forum for state commissioners in charge of science and technology held in Abuja. Nnaji emphasised the need for states to tap into the vast potential of the nation’s intellectual and technological resources, propelling them to the forefront of technological advancement.
Encouraging commissioners to invest in STI infrastructure such as parks, incubation centers, and innovation hubs, Nnaji highlighted the importance of aligning technological advancements with local priorities. This strategic alignment ensures that solutions are tailored to address region-specific challenges, fostering a more robust and resilient scientific ecosystem that encourages collaboration and knowledge sharing.
“Unlocking the immense potential of our nation’s intellectual and technological resources will ensure inclusivity and propel our states to the forefront of technological advancement,” stated Nnaji. He further urged commissioners to actively engage with local industries, research institutions, and community stakeholders, emphasizing that collaborative partnerships amplify the impact of scientific endeavors.
Fostering collaboration between government, industry and knowledge institutions, the STI Council plays a crucial role in coordinating STI activities, including research and development, in line with national priorities. Nnaji highlighted the significance of the National Science, Technology, and Innovation Roadmap (NSTIR) 2017-2030, designed to catalyse the effective implementation of STI programs and projects in Nigeria.
“The NSTIR 2017-2030 targets mobilising Nigeria’s intellectual resources for economic growth and diversification, providing incentives for stakeholders, improving science infrastructure, intensifying research and development and developing talent and skills,” he explained.
Nnaji stressed that realising the enormous potential of the NSTIR requires effective implementation at the sub-national levels. Domesticating the roadmap involves collective responsibility from national and sub-national governments, policymakers, academia and the organised private sector to translate the roadmap into tangible actions for meaningful impacts.
As Nigeria transitions from a resource-based to a knowledge-based economy, driven by innovation, the task assigned to commissioners demands strong commitment. The ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda of President Bola Tinubu aligns with this vision of leveraging science, technology and innovation to drive sustainable economic growth and development.
Welcoming the commissioners, the ministry’s permanent secretary, Mrs. Esuabana Nko- Asanye noted that the meeting with the minister was to broaden the scope, buy-in and implementation of the National Science and Technology Roadmap (NSTR-2017-2030).
According to her, each state has its unique demographic resourcefulness which if properly managed will foster the culture of innovation at the grassroots level for sustainable development.
“It is pertinent to state that this task before us is a shared responsibility to harness the full potential of sub-national. This is a time that we should think of how to harness our resources and then put in scientific and innovative strategies so that we can compete effectively. All this cannot be achieved if there is no security in our nation. So, all of us, we have that responsibility to make sure that Nigeria is secured,” she added.
