The permanent secretary of the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Esuabana Nko-Asanye has said that Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) holds the transformative power to shape Nigeria’s future – not just as a policy priority but as a practical tool to improve lives, grow the economy and secure the nation’s place in the global knowledge society.
She made this statement at the 22nd meeting of the National Council on Innovation, Science and Technology (NCIST) held in Abuja.
According to her, the theme of the 22nd edition, “Research, Develop, Innovate and Commercialise: A Cycle for National Prosperity,” is timely, as Nigeria, like many other countries, grapples with complex and interlinked challenges. These include rapid population growth, insecurity, climate change, youth unemployment, technological disruption and energy transition. She said STI must be institutionalised as a fundamental pillar for addressing these issues and propelling sustainable national development.
Nko-Asanye stressed that the path toward a technologically advanced, innovation-driven Nigeria requires more than well-crafted policies. It calls for unwavering political will, strategic and sustained partnerships and a deep sense of accountability across all sectors of governance and industry.
She also highlighted that the ministry, under the leadership of Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji is playing a frontline role in advancing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. According to her, the ministry is steering Nigeria towards sustainable growth and meaningful progress that will enhance the country’s socio-economic landscape.
Nko-Asanye urged all stakeholders to engage with open minds and a unified sense of purpose. She called on participants to move beyond dialogue and to develop actionable recommendations that will take Nigeria to greater heights through practical implementation.
Speaking earlier, the permanent secretary of Nasarawa State Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Chammang Atinuke described STI as the bedrock of national development. She said the state ministry is aligning fully with federal objectives in deploying scientific tools and strategies across all economic sectors to drive transformation.
In a goodwill message, the director-general of the Sheda Science and Technology Complex (SHETSCO), Prof. Paul Onyenekwe emphasised the need for agencies under the Federal Ministry to engage the public and receive feedback from states and stakeholders. He said this would help improve innovations and enhance job creation nationwide.
In a statement issued by the ministry’s head of press and public relations, Pauline Sule, Onyenekwe pledged the agencies’ full support for the Ministry’s agenda and reiterated their commitment to ensuring the deployment of STI across all sectors to move the country forward.
