The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, has spoken of the need to use indigenous plants and herbs to find cure for epilepsy and different forms of cancer for the benefit of Nigerians and other countries.
He made this known when he received the director, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) regional office, Dakar and OIC UNESCO regional office Abuja, Dr. Dimitri Sanga today (September 16) in his office in Abuja.
Onu said the Federal Government was working hard to reduce the gender gap in the development of STI in Nigeria, adding policies were being put on ground to encourage girls and women participation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
He pointed out that the ministry was working to reverse the degradation of the biosphere through policies like methanol fuel technology, as it would help to manage the effects of gas flaring and environmental degradation.
He informed the UNESCO delegation that the research institutes under the supervision of the ministry were run and built on world class standards.
The minister further hailed the cordial relationship between Nigeria and UNESCO, describing it as firm, fruitful and long-standing, adding the existing relationship should be strengthened. He described Nigeria as Africa’s power house, saying there should be a need for Nigerian research institutes to be UNESCO category one centres.
Earlier, Sanga said his visit was in line with the objective to work closely and look for ways to collaborate with the Nigerian government.
He added the issue of gender-gap should be looked into, as girls and women should be encouraged through government policy to embrace Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
