The Minister of Science and Technology, Prof. Ita Ewa, has said that the newly revised National Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Policy has the ability to unlock economic possibilities in Nigeria.
Speaking at the policy launch, the minister said that the general objectives was building a strong STI capability and capacity needed to evolve a modern economy.
He said, “The formulation and production of this policy heralds a critical step towards socio-economic prosperity and well-being of Nigeria and Nigerians. It mirrors the emancipation of the Federal Government in the transformation of the lives of Nigerians and spells out guidelines for the implementation of science and technology projects, capturing all activities of both the public and private sector.
According to Ewa, the policy document contains strategies that would enable all sectors of the economy to deliver on their macro-economic and social goals by deploying science, technology and innovation, in line with the national drive towards technological advancement and attainment of the MDGs and National Vision 20:2020.
He added that the thrust of the policy is on building synergy through seamless collaboration of all stakeholders in education and research, both in public and private sectors.
“As it has now become clear that Science, Technology and Innovation will henceforth play a pivotal role in the transformation agenda of the present administration, the onus now lies on the Federal Government to make the policy work by ensuring timely release of adequate funds to the Ministry of Science and Technology to pursue the noble agenda of this policy. It is no secret that, in the last three years, allocations to the Science and Technology sector has dropped drastically and at present implementation is still less than 50%.
“It also behoves us as citizens to key into the policy and embrace the deployment of science and technology in our endeavours, as the policy is set to catalyze change in the way we work and live,” he stated.
The minister further posited that contributions of science and technology to the development of a nation cannot be over-emphasized.
“Science and Technology,” he said, “has since been the key that opened many doors of ground-breaking discoveries and possibilities to these countries as it serves as a means to many ends, which individuals and states needed to maximize their potential in all ramifications of existence.
“Researches and Developments in science and technology have led to cutting edge innovations in agricultural practices, health and medicine, transportation, information and communication, banking and finance, housing and infrastructure and other sectors needed for a vibrant commercial life.
“Through forensic science, analytical and verifiable solutions are being proffered to solve security problems, as developments in space technologies are helping in counter-terrorism, and forecast of weather and natural disasters.
“By and large, we cannot shove aside the pivotal role that science and technology can play in the advancement of our economy particularly at this time when we are aspiring as a nation to catch up with the advanced economies of the world and take our desired place in the comity of nations.”
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Hajiya Rabi Jimeta, said that the new policy was a product of an all inclusive, participatory and consultative effort by stakeholders to place great emphasis on innovation, a tool for sustainable development globally.
She said, “It shows the commitment to promote Research and Development (R&D) results in order to enhance development and job creation that will eventually lead to improved socio-economic activities in Nigeria.”
She noted that apart from focusing on major areas of health, industrial growth, energy, banking and finance, environment and agriculture, the revised national ST&I policy emphasised? on human capital development, women and youth empowerment, trade and investment, tourism, science acculturation, natural resource management, building and construction, national security, nuclear science and technology, transport development and management, sports and recreation and diplomacy.
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