The Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (FMSTI) is set to launch a television programme ScienceTV@NG to highlight the role of science, technology and innovation (STI) in nation building.
Speaking at the inauguration of an Inter-Ministerial Committee for Nigeria Science, Technology and Innovation Television (ScienceTV@NG) in Abuja, the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, said that STI remains the driving force of growth and development in the nation.
According to him, the essence of the medium is to get Nigerians to appreciate the relevance and importance of STI to nation-building, saying this can get Nigerians to advocate more for effective utilisation of STI in helping the nation attain the level of greatness its citizens desire.
Onu said the television programme will also cover every aspect of national life –engineering, health and medicine, natural science, environment and wildlife, science and society, agriculture and child-friendly programmes.
The minister further said that the television programme will also focus on Nigeria’s contribution to STI, by publishing the latest outputs and products from all research institutions, as well as STI developments from all over the world.
Also, the programme will showcase how our ancestors embrace science, technology and innovation in their daily activities by using locally available materials for their food, nutrition, drugs and medicine, the building of houses.
In addition, Onu stressed the importance of knowing the past to help the nation’s young people get more creative, inventive and innovative, to help prepare their future to be bright and promising.
He urged the committee to work conscientiously to achieve all the set objectives.
Earlier, the ministry’s permanent secretary, Mr. Edet Akpan and chairman of the committee gave the composition of members to include: federal ministries of education, environment, communication and digital technology, amongst others.
He highlighted the terms of reference of the committee to include the creation of a framework for content development and production; development of the functions and mandate of ScienceTV@NG; development of the different concept notes and business plans for science television; define the objectives of ScienceTV@NG and propose the special vehicle for the ScienceTV@NG.
