President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday in Abuja pledged that his administration would take concrete actions to correct the neglect of research, science and technology by past administrations.
Speaking after receiving briefing on the activities of the Ministry of Science and Technology, Buhari declared that his administration would dedicate more resources and energy to the sector.
He said this had become necessary because no country could make progress without serious commitment to the development of science and technology.
The President said he would fully encourage the work of the Ministry of Science and Technology because innovations from various research institutes under its supervision could impact positively on industrial development and manufacturing in Nigeria.
The Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs Winifred Oyo-Ita, had enumerated several challenges hindering the effectiveness of the ministry.
She said that such challenges include perennial poor funding and the lack of recognition of science and technological innovation as major driver of economic development by previous governments.
Oyo-Ita told the President that the focus of the ministry had moved from academic research to market-based innovative research aimed at boosting industrialisation.
She asked for more support and political will from the Federal Government to encourage scientific research, innovation and local manufacturing.
Also on Monday in Abuja, President Buhari received the outgoing British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Andrew Pocock and the outgoing Swiss Ambassador, Mr Hans-Rudolf Hodel.
The President thanked both envoys for their efforts to strengthen relations between Nigeria and their respective countries.
He wished them success in their future assignments.
The former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Sir Shridath Ramphal, who is in Nigeria on a visit, also paid a courtesy visit to the President.
Source PmNews
