By Mohammed Mohammed
The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu and his State Minister, Barr. Mohammed Abdullahi, have said emphasized the importance of Science Technology and Innovation (STI) as the quickest route to transform Nigeria’s all-round growth and development.
Onu, who made the assertion while playing host to the Ambassador of Switzerland to Nigeria, Amb. Georg Steiner, on Tuesday in his office in Abuja, said the surest way to move Nigerians out of poverty is to provide people with skills that will last them a life-time.
According to the Minister, the skills to be imparted to Nigerians will enable them be more productive and make Nigeria have a higher global competitiveness in ranking.
He informed the Swiss envoy of the Federal Government’s unrelenting effort to diversify the economy, which is evident as Nigeria’s earnings from non-oil sources exceeds that of crude oil.
Onu also said that the Ministry has been given a further mandate to supervise innovations all around the country. He added that Nigeria is going to attain self-reliance in many areas of socio-economic life.
The Swiss ambassador to Nigeria, Amb. Georg Steiner said their visit was to form a mutual beneficial strong bond in STI development.
He invited the Minister to the “Swiss-Nigerian Innovation Forum 2021-2022; Technology for a Green Future”,which he described a strong platform to accelerate STI relationships with both countries.
Meanwhile, the Minister of state in the Ministry: Barr. Abdullahi has said that Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) is important to all round socio-economic development as the fate of the global community lay solely in these subjects.
The future, fate and destiny of the world’s youths is dependent on STI which plays a vital role in all spheres of global affairs be it military, economy and entertainment, he added.
The Minister was represented by the Director-General of the Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi (FIIRO) Mrs. Agnes Yemi Asagbra, at the 1st International Conference with the theme: “Advocacy for Applied Sciences, Research & Quality STEM Education Through Erasmus.” on Monday in Lagos.
Abdullahi, emphasized that STEM should be embraced by every Nigerian, adding that STEM education should be a priority to engaging the younger generation to create a better Country.
The Minister also said studies have shown that STEM workers play a major role in the sustainability, growth and stability of every nation, thereby creating critical thinkers, increased science literacy and generate more innovators.
He also hammered on the agenda of President Muhammadu Buhari Administration which is hinged on the need for all Nigerians to harness our natural resources for growth and economic sustainability and the need for STEM in all scheme of affairs.
The Minister called on African nations to be passionate in the pursuance of STI in getting it right as this would harness all its intellectual and natural capabilities to achieve socio economic development.