Innovation critical for national industrialisation – FG

• Vows to support young Nigerian scientists

From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting young Nigerian scientists with skills and competence that will make them relevant in the dynamic Science, Technology, and Innovation ecosystem for the economic development of the nation.

The Permanent Secretary of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Esuabana Nko Asanye, made this statement at the event presenting the results of the 9th Edition of the 774 Young Nigerian Scientists Presidential Award (774 YONSPA) today in Abuja.

The Permanent Secretary, who was represented by the Director of the Human Resources Department, Mallam Hassan Baba Ibrahim, further said that the 774 Young Nigerian Scientists Presidential Award (774 YONSPA) is designed to spur students to proffer solutions to practical problems that will enhance the socio-economic development of the country.

Esuabana also noted that the programme is organised by the Ministry annually across the 36 states of the federation through competitive examinations for secondary schools, adding that the objective is to produce a pool of dedicated scientists and technologists with the capacity to compete internationally.

She explained that the Ministry is focused on providing an enabling environment for the development of science, technology, and innovative ideas that will boost the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

The Permanent Secretary stated that the Ministry attaches great importance to this event and recognises the first, second, and third positions with a presidential handshake, adding that they will also receive cash and scholarship awards to further their studies in any Nigerian university of their choice to enable them to contribute to the growth and development of the nation.

Speaking earlier, the Director of the Science and Technology Promotion Department (STP), Mr Ronald Ukpong, said that the programme was created by the Ministry to encourage our youths to be interested and fashion their study careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, adding that this good gesture covers the 774 local government areas of the federation where students compete in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics.

He further said that no country will attain true greatness without the application of innovation, science, and technology. He therefore enjoined the youths to study hard in their chosen careers and ensure that Nigeria is recognised among the international community in the science sector.

The Chief Examiner of the programme, Professor Uno-Uno, on his part commended the students for their exceptional performance in this year’s exercise compared to previous years.

He then urged the teachers to deploy new teaching techniques that will enable the students to understand the subjects better and more easily.