Minister of State, Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Barrister Abdulahi Mohammed, has hinted that the ministry has commenced the process involved in the review of the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Policy.
He noted that the revised document would be in line with best global practices and would drive the economy of the country while lifting millions of Nigerians out of poverty in the next 10 years.
Abdulahi, who spoke at a workshop on ‘science, technology and innovation management -a tool for rapid socio-economic development in Nigeria,’ reiterated that it is not only the formulation of policies that are important but rather its implementation that drives the economic growth.
On his part, Director-General, National Centre For Technology Management (NACETEM) Professor Okechukwu Ukwuoma, noted that it was time Nigeria began to apply STI to every aspect of the nation’s economy for rapid development.
He noted that the global political and socio-economic space was undergoing speedy growth and globalisation was developing substantial unique and dynamic challenges and opportunities.
“Its impact is considerably driven by a breakthrough in multiple development areas on national economies in science and technology including space research, biotechnology, and energy development among many others. Science explains humanity’s understanding of the natural world while technology discusses the ability to manipulate the natural world.
“These disciplines are dynamic and pervasive and influencing cultural, economic and political milieu. Hence, science and technology play an exceedingly prominent role in the world.”
He said that at a crucial period such as this when the diversification agenda and National Economic Sustainability Plan of the current administration are geared at repositioning Nigeria towards bouncing back stronger from the ravaging impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, moving the economy from almost wholly resource-based to knowledge and innovation-driven is important.
He noted that reclaiming the nation’s pride of place among the comity of nations and realising the great hopes and aspirations of the founding fathers at independence, there is no better veritable tool to turn to than science, technology and innovation.