FG challenges young scientists on innovation

The Federal Government has challenged young Nigerian scientists on scientific and technological innovations in order to make the country a tech giant.

The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, who challenged the youth at the final of 2018 national final examination of the 774 young Nigerian scientists’ Presidential Award in Abuja, also urged them to deploy science, technology and innovation to drive the nation’s effort to promote economic growth and diversification.

He said the 774 Young Nigerian Scientists Presidential Award organized by the ministry was to encourage the young ones to achieve their full potentials in science and technology.

“As young boys and girls who have shown amazing promise in science and technology, you must not let your dream die because it is in that Dream that a new Nigeria can be born,” he said.

Onu said those that excel at the end of the examination would be presented to President Muhammadu Buhari at the forthcoming Technology and Innovation Expo scheduled to hold in Abuja in March.

“The best among them will be rewarded with a cash prize of One Million Naira, while the second and third place winners will receive the sum of N750,000, and N500,000 respectively”, Dr. Onu added

To further encourage those who came out on top in their respective local government areas and states, Dr. Onu said that each of them present at the final event will receive a laptop as a souvenir from the FG.

The Director, Science and Technology Promotion, Mr Ekanem Udo said the 774 Young Nigerian Scientists Presidential Award is an initiative of the Ministry geared at effectively encouraging and developing the interest of Nigerian youths in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI).