By Dele Ogbodo
The Federal Government through the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology has urged indigenous scientists and researchers to show proficiency and on focus
Genome Editing rather than foreigners.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mrs. Esuabana Asanye, explained that Nigeria should embrace the emerging Artificial Intelligence, Internet of things, Genom editing and Robotics to enable it compete favorable with their foreign counterparts.
The Permanent Secretary disclosed this when she paid a familiarization visit to Sheda Science and Technology Complex (SHESTCO) yesterday (Thursday) in Abuja.
Esuabana, stated that STEM Education should be introduced right from primary to tertiary level as well as genome editing as that will make our youths to be more rooted in science and technology which will bring about socio-economic development of the country.
She further said that the introduction of STEM education from primary to tertiary will enhance the knowledge of Nigerians in science and technology and will reduce the influx of expertise into the country which will boost our foreign reserves at the long run.
The Permanent Secretary charged the Ministry and the agencies to create awareness and advocacy that will enhance technological breakthrough and development in the country.
Esuabana, stated that Genome editing should be institutionalized in Nigeria and handled by our indigenous scientist rather than foreigners.
She tasked the Directors of the Agency in-charge of Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics to continue to search for more knowledge and researches that will benefit the nation.
The Assistant Director, Press and PR at the Ministry Mrs. Pauline Sule, in a statement, said the Permanent Secretary commended Directors of the Ministry and the agencies for proffering STEM education which will upgrade the knowledge of the people greatly.
Earlier, the Director-General of Sheda Science and Technology Complex, Prof. Paul Onyenekwe, expressed gladness by the visit of the Permanent Secretary.
He said that the agency was established in 1993 by federal government as a multidisciplinary research and development centre.
Part of Its mandate, he said is developing facilities for effective practice of applications oriented science and technology in Nigeria.
Onyenekwe, also added that one of the mandate of the Agency is to carry out structured manpower training to meet the growing needs of Nigerians in the areas of high technology.
He assured that the agency is doing its best and will continue to do its best to actualize its mandate and move Nigerian technology forward.
