The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu has urged young scientists representing Nigeria in the International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO) to strive to win the Gold medal for the country.
Onu, said this when the 2019 International Junior Science Olympiad paid a courtesy call to his office recently, in Abuja.
The Minister further urged the youngsters to be good ambassadors for Nigeria, when they go to the Science Olympiad competition which is to hold early December this year.
He said for Nigeria to achieve growth and development, only students with the most creative and innovative intellect would be good for the nation.
“In order to achieve a positive aspiration of our great country, it cannot be done without young people who are Innovative, creative Patriotic, brilliant and determined to put in their best,” he added.
He expressed optimism that through the Young Junior Olympiad, other young people would be inspired to focus more on Science, Technology and Innovation.
“Nobody will call you by name at Qatar, you will be known as Team Nigeria, because you are ambassadors representing Nigeria and through you, other people will develop interest in Science and Technology.”
He further expressed his belief, that through the success of the Junior Olympiads, Nigerian youths will not go through the Sahara Desert in order to seek greener pastures in Europe.
Earlier, the Director of Science and Technology Promotion in the Ministry, Dr. Ekanem Udoh, expressed utmost confidence in the Junior Olympiads to win the International competition due to the high level of support and preparations given to them.
