Sequel to the change of name of the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology to the Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, the Federal Government today unveiled a new logo, vision and mission in line with the new image of the ministry.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, today (October 22) in Abuja, the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, said the new logo, revised vision and mission of the ministry were all in line with the new realities of the world and aims to strategically position the ministry to drive Nigeria’s economic development.
“Recently, President Muhammadu Buhari added innovation to the responsibilities of the ministry. It has become necessary to reposition, strengthen and rebrand the FMSTI so that science, technology and innovation can be effectively managed and coordinated in the country. To achieve this, the ministry will be structured and strengthened to meet the needs of the emerging technological advancements of this century and beyond.
“A new image for the FMSTI has become imperative. The vision and mission statements have been reviewed, as well as its core values and critical success factors,” he added.
Onu highlighted that the world is changing as other developed countries are steadily making progress in innovations for their socio-economic development.
“We are at a time when the world is trying to move away from the use of fossil fuels, due to the effect of climate change. The decarbonisation programme in many countries is advancing very quickly. Electric cars are now in use in many countries. Alternatives are now being found to fossil fuels. Even the aviation industry – though it produces 2 per cent of global carbon emission – is also involved in the decarbonization process. Research production of electric aircraft has reached very advanced levels. Today, some countries can depend entirely on renewable energy for their public electricity supply.”
He, however, maintained that Nigeria is committed to catching up with the more technologically developed countries of the world.
“We intend to use innovation and reverse engineering to ensure that the capital goods market is developed in the nation. This will help us to facilitate industrialisation that is not only inclusive but irreversible. Hence, technology will now influence virtually all sectors including agriculture, water resources, transportation, construction, health, education, sports, defence and security, financial management, the fight against corruption and so on. We will use technology and innovation to provide skills for our young people and help to achieve gender balance in the production sector of the economy,” he added.
In his remarks, the Minister of State for Science, Technology and Innovation, Barr. Mohammed Abdullahi said the rebranding of the ministry will enable it to focus more on current technological trends like nano-technology, smart space technology, bio-tech and diverse new technological trends.
He further said that the repositioning and rebranding of the ministry will fast-track the developmental agenda of the Buhari-led administration. He further added that the nation’s GDP will improve as a result of innovation and technological development.
Earlier, the ministry’s permanent secretary, Mr. Edet Akpan, said the repositioning and rebranding of the ministry will bring to fore the ingenuity of Nigerian professionals, scientists and innovators to solve contemporary global issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic and security issues currently bedevilling the country.
While commending the leadership of the ministry for its “cutting-edge innovation and leadership”, Akpan further said that the repositioning of the ministry will be a springboard for Nigeria’s industrial growth.
