The Federal Government says it has been working very hard in recent months to find extra-budgetary means to fund developments in science, technology and innovation (STI).
The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, said this when he inspected the venue of the 2022 STI expo themed; “Sustaining National Economic Growth through Science, Technology and Innovation”.
The STI EXPO is scheduled to hold from Monday, March 14 to Friday, March 18, 2022.
The minister explained that this year’s expo is focused on commercialising research done by inventors and innovators. He said that the nation will have more resources and increased exports when research ideas have been converted into products and services.
He hailed President Buhari for his insistence on at least 0.5 per cent of the nation’s GDP to be invested in the development of STI (science, technology and innovation), adding that effective utilisation of STI will accelerate national development.
Some of the activities that will be highlighted at this year’s expo include the launching of the STI Television, presentation of revised STI 2022 policy, presentation of scholarship award to three secondary students who emerged winner’s of 2022 edition of Young Nigerian Scientists Presidential Award Competition (YONSPA).
Onu was confident that this year’s expo will surpass all previous editions in terms of innovations, organisation, increased number of registered participants and many relevant areas.
While inspecting the facilities, the minister expressed optimism and confidence in the level of work done and certified the readiness of the venue to host the expo.
According to him, all COVID-19 protocols have been put in place by the organisers to ensure minimal risk of infections amongst participants and stakeholders.
