The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, has stressed the need for African nations to add value to their abundant natural resources to achieve wholesome socio-economic development.
He made this statement when he received delegates from the African Union Scientific Technical and Research Commission (AU-STRC) led by His Excellency, Prof. Mohammed Belhocine, today (April 7, 2022) in his office in Abuja.
Onu stressed the need for socio-economic self-reliance to reduce imports and produce goods and services needed by Africans.
The minister further said that the difference between developed and developing countries is their investment in STI. He advised Africans to use their abundant natural resources and commercialise and export them to other countries.
He reiterated that a better focus on STI will help African countries create jobs and reduce poverty to its barest minimum.
Onu promised the delegation that the ministry, through one of its agencies – the National Space Research Development Agency (NASRDA) – will partner with the commission to support the Pan-African University Ibadan.
Earlier, Belhocine, the commissioner of education, science, technology and innovation, AU-STRC, said the purpose of his visit was to seek the collaboration and partnership of the ministry.
He further said that the support of the Nigerian government is needed to facilitate one of the institutes of the Pan-African University. A statement by the ministry’s deputy director of press, Afonja Ajibola, said the envoy prevailed on the ministry to provide the vital equipment needed for the institute.
