The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mrs. Esuabana Nko-Asanye has highlighted the pivotal role of a commitment to scientific and technological applications in addressing Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges.
Nko-Asanye emphasised that Nigeria, endowed with abundant human and natural resources, can achieve its economic development goals through the proper application of scientific tools.
During a visit to the Innovation Start-Up Hub in Abuja, the permanent secretary praised the hub as a tangible manifestation of the “can-do spirit of Nigerians.” She expressed confidence that with opportunities and an enabling environment, Nigerian youths could showcase their talents and intellect, creating innovations that benefit the nation.
Nko-Asanye explained that an Innovation Hub serves as a physical space, bringing together researchers, creators, and innovators to generate and cultivate ideas that transform into commercially viable products. She emphasised the potential for Nigeria to strengthen the link between academia and industries, facilitating the commercialisation of products and contributing to socio-economic development.
Commending the Innovation Start-Up Hub’s management for granting the ministry access to its facilities, Nko-Asanye pledged collaboration, particularly in training scientific officers of the ministry. She recognised the importance of such collaborations in advancing the application of science and technology.
The director of the hub, Mr. Edward Singathy described the hub as an “engineer’s haven” where ideas evolve into services beneficial to humanity. Singathy outlined the hub’s mission to assist Nigerians with brilliant ideas by transforming them into prototypes capable of positively impacting society and the world.
Singathy acknowledged Nigeria’s wealth of brilliant individuals who, with the right opportunities, could excel. He highlighted the transformative impact of the hub on the lives of many Nigerians, emphasising its role as a non-governmental and non-profit organisation that trains selected intellects from various tertiary institutions.
The organisation encompasses departments such as the Mechatronics Lab, where the basics of innovation are taught, the creative arts department focusing on fabric design and the recycling unit converting materials into finished products like bags, foot mats and caps.
The deputy director of public private partnership (PPP) within the ministry, Dr. Victor Fadipe explained that the purpose of the visit was to study the Innovation Start-Up Hub. This study aims to guide the ministry in establishing science park and museum projects, further aligning with the commitment to fostering scientific innovation for economic development in Nigeria.
