The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Sen. Adeleke Mamora has stated that the Nigeria Science, Technology and Innovation television (NSTI TV) will be solely focused on ensuring the effective dissemination of information on scientific and technological innovations in the sector.
During the commissioning of the broadcast studio in Abuja on April 11, 2023, the minister explained that investing in the NSTI TV would create awareness and promote sustainable development and growth in the country through the STI sector.
Mamora expressed satisfaction that the station would be a game-changer for Nigerians and enable citizens to appreciate the relevance of STI in nation-building. He added that the station would serve as a veritable platform to inform, educate, entertain and publicise scientific discoveries, inventions and achievements of the various parastatals under the ministry.
The minister said the television would also serve as a means to exchange ideas, knowledge and skills for the benefit of the common man.
“The NSTI television will focus on Nigeria’s contributions to STI by publishing the latest outputs and products from all research institutions and the latest STI developments all over the world. It will also showcase how our ancestors embraced science, technology and innovation in their daily activities by using locally available materials for their food, nutrition, drugs and medicine, building houses,” he said.
Mamora explained that the importance of knowing the past would help Nigerian youths to be more creative, inventive, and innovative, and help prepare them for bright, promising futures.
“As part of our plans for ease of access to information, we have developed an indelible and robust television that is terrestrial, satellite, and internet-based science over-the-top (OTT) TV channel dedicated to science and technology knowledge dissemination, with a strong commitment to spreading scientific awareness, especially with Nigerian perspectives, ethos and cultural milieu.”
Mamora further said the NSTI TV would cover the entire landscape of science, technology, and innovation, including engineering, health and medicine, natural science, environment and wildlife, children’s curiosity, science and society, agriculture, innovations, scientific heritage, science policy, using interactive and latest formats like documentaries, discussion, demonstrations/experiment shows, quizzes, game shows, science fiction, docu-dramas, specials, biographies.
Earlier, the Minister of State for Science, Technology and Innovation, Chief Henry Ikechukwu Ikoh said that the NSTI TV was introduced as part of the implementation of Presidential Executive Order No.5 to assist in establishing STI as part of everyday life for Nigerians towards achieving the national developmental goals across all sectors of the economy.
Ikoh implored Nigerians to watch the programs and activities aired on the station to remain acquainted with advances and development in the STI sector.
In his goodwill message, the former chairman of the Senate Committee on Science and Technology, Sen. Boroffice Ajayi commended the ministry for its unrelenting efforts in making sure that the NSTI TV is a reality.
In her closing remarks, the permanent secretary in the ministry, Monilola Udoh said communicating advanced and new developments in STI was critical to socio-economic development.
She said with the NSTI television station now in place, achievements of the agencies and parastatals under the ministry would receive adequate coverage.
“Effective communication of our programmes and activities is crucial to enable our customers to have access to the right knowledge and information about our technologies for proper utilisation. This will also enhance their uptake by investors,” she added.
