The Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, organized the national science expo with the aim of developing competencies in every field of STI in order to improve competitiveness of Nigeria’s productive sector; BINTA SHAMA reports.
Over the years, the Science, Technology and Innovation Expo has been a consistent gathering of inventors as well as innovators, showcasing their knowledge-base creativities not only in Nigeria but to the world as it continues to attract investors.
The science expo which has been in existence for the past six (6) years continues to give hope to many in Nigeria as they can now come out boldly to share and display their God given talent.
Homegrown solutions to development
Speaking the Minister of Science and Technology Dr Ogbonnaya Onu said the ministry has been working to provide homegrown solutions that will better manage the adverse effects of the coronavirus pandemic on Nigeria’s healthcare system.
“This resulted in the constitution of an Inter-Ministerial Committee on covid-19 herbal remedies and natural compounds to authenticate claims of anti covid-19 products produced in the country by scientists, researchers and traditional medicine practitioners. Only in science if we are critical in our findings as indigenous scientists that we can at the end, find solutions to the challenges faced by our dear nation, in turn help grow and advance our economy.”
In his presentation delivered via Skype, to participants of senior Executive Course 42,2020 of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos Plateau State, the minister noted that there was need to develop a home-grown solution to meet the urgent national needs through the effective application of science, technology and innovation (STI), adding that the initiative will earn foreign exchange that will help augment the loss of revenue due to declining price of crude oil and natural gas.
Onu explained that he is favorably disposed to deploying home-grown solutions to solving Nigeria’s problem saying it is the best approach as it will afford the economy the opportunity to solve address is challenges rather than depend on others. “We can export these home-grown solutions to other nations, who need them.
“You will recall recently, that I challenged Nigerian scientists to find cure for the COVID 19, and pledged a financial reward of N36 million. Since then, many institutions and individuals have written to us claiming their research results and natural products can cure the COVID 19. Accordingly, a Committee compromising Fellows of the Nigerian Academy of Science will help us review these claims. In addition to this, the Ministry has developed a strategy of prevention, tracking, testing and treatment (PT 3) in short, medium and long term basis. We are working for home-grown solutions. Our in the Ministry are working to provide indigenous solutions to the problems created by this pandemic,” Onu added.
FG to contribute 0.5% of GDP to research, innovation
Likewise, the Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo assured Nigerians at the just concluded Science Expo that the federal government will allocate a minimum of 0.5 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to research and innovation in the country as a way of expediting development.
“We are happy that this has been achieved in line with the decision taken at the African Union of the Executive Council, in 2006 to establish a target for all member states, for 1 per cent of GDP investment in research and development in order to improve innovation, productivity and economic growth, we are aware that only a few African countries have met this task. As a result of the challenges of fiscal income sector of the economy, we will allocate a minimum of 0.5% of our GDP to research and innovation as a way to fast track meaningful development.
He further said the covid-19 pandemic has asked tough questions of national innovations and “we are confidently determined to answer them through the commendable efforts of our researchers.”
He assured Nigerians that the present administration will continue to support the science, technology and innovation sector by funding opportunities.
In his welcome speech, the Minister of State Science and Technology, Barr. Mohammed Abdullahi said the aim of the annual event is to acquaint investors with recent stride in science and technology development as well as encourage interested entrepreneurs to commercialize the outcome of Research and Development (R&D).
He added that, R&D will effectively facilitate the growth of indigenous manufacturing, as it is in line with the strategy towards the realization of Mr. President’s June 13 promise to take 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in the next years.
STI catalyst for national industrialisation
The Minister of State during a Capacity Building Workshop jointly hosted by the Ministry and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), said proper implementation of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) policies will accelerate Nigeria quest to be among the leading industrialised nations globally.
According to him, the conference is centered on STI policy making, Mapping and Review Methodologies to foster necessary interactions and exchange of knowledge.
The Minister said the STI sector has enjoyed steady progress in the last eight years due to policy implementation in areas such as solar technology, road research, biotechnology capacity development and many other areas.
He reiterated the need for the country to develop a bank and financial institution, primarily for the purpose of funding Research and Development in STI
“To mitigate against the challenge of funding, FMST is strongly advocating the establishment of R&D bank to close the gap in the absence of venture capitalist to support the commercialisation of R& D findings.”
He further advocated for certain strategic actions for effective policy implementation, which includes awareness creation, developing monitoring indicators, garnering state level cooperation and ensuring stakeholder participation.
Converting ideas into products, services
The Permanent Secretary FMST, Mr. Sunday Edet Akpan pointed out that the yearly activity brings together inventors, innovators, researchers, as well as investors for the purpose of converting ideas into products and services. He added that the Expo is a significant instrument for commercializing research findings into products that are needed both in Nigeria and internationally.
Among many other invention showcased by the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) at the event included the invention of talc which clinched the overall prize in the research institutes category.
The Director General Professor Hussaini Doko Ibrahim said the Council’s research on production of industrial pharmaceutical grade Talc from Talc ore is aimed at supporting the health sector.
He lauded the minister and his team for hosting a successful especially in the post pandemic period even as the entire world strives to make ends meet and revamp their economy.
On the other hand, the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) showcased the meter machine, solar panels and the NASENI keke amongst others.
Also at the Science Expo 2021, the National Research Institute for Chemical Technology (NARICT) Zaria, focused on a research work that sought to find indigenous solutions to control the coronavirus.
“A key innovative research activity embarked upon by the Institute, focused essentially on how to bring down the spate of coronavirus (covid-19) infections and provide future integrated research initiative dedicated to the contoland prevention of this virus,” according to the Director General NARICT, Professor Jeffrey Barminas.
