By  SOLA OGUNDIPE

In view of the roles played by science in the development of nations and the attendant benefits accruable from it,the United Nations Educational,  Scientific and Cultural Organisation, UNESCO, has tasked Africa to pursue its development drive with science as a key driver.

This view was contained in the keynote paper entitled: Biotechnology Prospects and Challenges for Africa delivered by world renowned Science Professor and Director, International Basic Sciences Programme, UNESCO Headquarters, Paris, Maciej J. Nalecz, at the Inaugural Conference of the International Centre for Biotechnology (UNESCO Category II), University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State.

Polish-born Nalecz noted that science has a primary role in  pursuit of knowledgeand sustainable development and, in general, the advancement of civilisation.

“Science drives economic growth and prosperity and creates jobs.Therefore, investment in science in Africa is a must,” he argued

Currently, Africa’s contribution to global research and development is less than 1 per cent of global investment in Research and Development and a mere 1.5 per cent of total scientific publications, a situation deemed as grossly inadequate.

Calling for more focus in science, Nalecz said such investments would offer exciting research opportunities in addition to other applications critical to development in  agriculture, medicine, energy, etc.

The renowned scientist also called for creation of physical infrastructure in critical platform technologies that could support education and training, including interdisciplinary education to create the human resources required in such field as engineering, chemistry, physics and medical sciences.

Professor Ademola  Adenle of the UN University-Institute of Advanced Studies, UNU-IAS, said a science-based development drive will tackle hunger, poverty and food insecurity, saying there is an urgent need to characterize germplasm used for diets and traditional medicine where more than 70 percent of indigenous people rely on for daily health needs”

The Biotechnology Conference marked the official commencement of the International Centre for Biotechnology, UNESCO Category 2, University of Nigeria, Nsukka as a UNESCO Centre following the signing of the MoU between Nigeria and UNESCO in October 2012.