Ministry moves to support Nigerian scientists

The Federal Government of Nigeria is to give massive support to Nigerian Scientist to convert research and innovation findings into products and services so as to enhance economic development of the nation.

The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu disclosed this when a delegation from the Chemical Society of Nigeria paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Abuja.

Dr Onu said the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is supporting Nigerian Scientist to develop technology and innovation that will help the country develop at a faster rate and compete favourably with developed countries of the world.

He assured the delegation that the Ministry will support any intellectual property in any field of Science, Technology and innovation for the development of natural resources of Nigeria.

He called on Scientists to work harder to ensure that Nigeria becomes a truly great nation. Dr Onu said, “Nigeria cannot be truly great without the enormous contributions of Scientists”.

The Minister reiterated that Nigeria need to conduct research and innovation work in areas of our needs, thereby putting an end to continuous importation of products into Nigeria.

He said he is optimistic that Nigerian scientists would help harness our raw materials and convert them to products we can consume in our nation.

Earlier in his remarks, the President of the Chemical Society of Nigeria, Professor Sunday Olawale Okeniyi, told the Minister that the Society was seeking collaborations with the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology to facilitate Research and Development through the deployment of Science Technology and Innovation in enhancing the pace of socioeconomic development of Nigeria.

The Society solicited the Ministry’s support in the professional practice of Chemistry in Nigeria and requested for the propagation of the Society’s ideals and ethos through collaboration with the Ministry and its Agencies.