By Hillary Asemota
The Minister of Science Technology and Innovation (STI), Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, on Tuesday called on the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) and Vice Chancellors of Universities to develop an excellent working relationship through the Energy Research Centres, to promote research and innovation for sustainable economic development of Nigeria.
Onu, made the disclosure during the meeting with the Vice Chancellors of host Universities of the Energy Research Centres under the purview of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) at the Ministry’s Headquarters in Abuja.
The Minister expressed optimism that the meeting will further strengthen the relationship between the Commission, the host Universities and the Ministry for the purpose of promoting research and innovation in the energy sector.
He further stated that some of the research and development outputs in the country have remained in the shelves in the centres without getting into the market, explaining that the annual STI Expo organized by the Ministry, has provided the forum where entrepreneurs, investors and financiers meet with inventors and innovators to facilitating the commercialization of research outputs.
Onu, also stated that the Presidential Executive Order 5 initiated by the Ministry, has supported local capacity participation in procurement of STI components in the country.
The Minister commended the Centres for their innovative outputs in areas of Energy Research Centres, which includes solar water heaters, solar crops, dryers, biomass digesters, solar chick brooders, solar PV systems for lighting, water pumping and many others.
According to him, research institutes and the host universities can benefit in a number of ways from one another through the review of operational guidelines of university-based Energy Research Centers, through the elimination of friction as well as facilitate effective working relationships.
He urged the committee to complete its work within one week of the inauguration.
Responding on behalf of the Six Vice Chancellors of Host Universities of Energy Research Centres, the Vice Chancellor, University of Benin Prof. Lilian Salami appreciated the Minister for the meeting, stressing that the only way the country can grow is through STI development.
She added that the youths should be encouraged to bring out ideas that can be incubated in the Universities.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry Mr. Edet Akpan Sunday, in his remarks read out the terms of reference to the committee which include: To review the operational guidelines of the University Based Energy Research Centres funded and supervised by the Energy Commission Nigeria with a view to better enhance Energy Research and Innovation, eliminate areas of frictions and to facilitate smooth symbiotic working relationship between the host universities and the commission in no distant future and to carry out the review that will enhance the capacity of research officers of the commission even to professorial status.