The Nigerian government and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) have called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to reposition Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) as a driver of economic growth.
They made the call last week at the opening of a three-day workshop on Science, Technology and Innovation and the Renewed Hope Agenda held in Abuja.
Speaking at the workshop organised by the UNESCO in collaboration with the Sheda Science and Technology Complex (SHETSCO), Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Kingsley Udeh said economies were being transformed by artificial intelligence, biotechnology, digital systems, space technologies and green innovations.
“For Nigeria, the message is clear: sustainable national development must be driven by science, technology and innovation. “Science, technology and innovation remains central to digitalisation, food security, healthcare advancement, digital transformation and economic diversification.
“The Renewed Hope agenda provides a clear opportunity to reposition innovation as a strategic driver to economic growth, job creation.
“Science, Technology and Innovation must no longer be viewed as the various sectors, but as critical enablers across agriculture, health care, manufacturing, education, energy and digital economy,” he said.
On the establishment of the National Research Innovation and Development Fund (NRIDF) and recent approval by the Federal Executive Council, Udeh said the Sankore project was central to its implementation.
Udeh said the federal government was making deliberate efforts to promote research to industry collaboration, encourage demand-driven innovation, improve infrastructure and create clear pathways for commercialisation.
Director of UNESCO West Africa and officer-in-charge, UNESCO Abuja, Dr. Dimitri Sanga said the project was targeted as part of initiatives to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda of 2030 and the African Union 2063 Development Agenda.
Represented by the head of Science Sector, Dr. Enang Moma, Sanga said the organisation had over the years supported Nigeria in strengthening the STI system.
“UNESCO supported Nigeria in the development of a robust national STI policy, National reporting on the 2021 Recommendation on Open Science.
“UNESCO also recognises that the translation of these policies and instruments into tangible socio-economic outcomes remains limited and there is need to strengthen the National Innovation System (NIS) for a stronger integration of research, industry, and government.
