By Emmanuel Elebeke

According to Dr. Abdurrahman Diallo, Head of Operations at UNESCO, Nigeria’s 2022 policy will only deliver its objectives with a well-designed and articulated implementation plan. This plan must align with current developmental realities, particularly the renewed HOPE agenda of the present administration and the country’s development plans.

Dr. Diallo made this statement at a 2-Day National Expert Workshop on the Implementation of Nigeria’s 2022 Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy and National Reporting of 2021 UNESCO Recommendation on Open Sciences. The workshop was organized by UNESCO in collaboration with the Federal Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology and the ECOWAS Commission in Abuja.

The UNESCO representative commended Nigeria for adopting UNESCO’s open science initiative through its reviewed STI policy in 2022. He emphasized the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders to ensure successful implementation.

“We can observe that Nigeria recognizes the importance of STI in driving development, which is evident in the effort the country has made to have a rich science and technology innovation ecosystem through the STI policy, which was reviewed in 2022. That policy, amongst others, recognizes open science as a viable strategy for science to achieve greater impacts, as articulated on the 2021 UNESCO recommendation on open science. 

“The mission of the experts during this workshop is therefore very clear. The objective is to ensure that the country has a workable implementation plan for the 2022 STI policy, as well as to strategize on tracking and reporting the progress Nigeria has made in the implementation of the open science recommendation, which is the first instrumental standard setting on open science.”

He said UESCO has a deep conviction of the importance of science as a driver for development and believes that science is a powerful catalyst for international and regional cooperation and the foundation for mutual understanding.

“UNESCO’s strength lies in its convening power to bring all stakeholders together, building collaboration, connecting scientists across borders, serving as a connector of national, regional and global research networks.

“This decade represents a unique opportunity for science to serve humanity and to protect our planet. It is also an opportunity to foster science for solving the most pressing challenges in West Africa.

Declaring the workshop open, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Godfrey Nnaji said the objectives of the workshop fully aligned with the Ministry’s goals and that the ministry is prepared to collaborate closely with UNESCO to achieve Nigeria’s development agenda.

He also said the Ministry will soon form a dedicated workshop or working group to collaborate with relevant organizations on critical areas of policy research and development in the STI sector, reiterating his commitment to increasing STI contributions to Nigeria’s GDP significantly.

“Our Ministry stands ready to support the strategic outcomes of this gathering, 

aiming for sustainable national development and a prosperous future through comprehensive use of STI. 

“The Ministry remains vigilant in fulfilling its responsibilities and mandates. We are prepared to revitalize our systems to transform Nigeria from a resource-based to a knowledge-driven economy, emphasizing a shift from consumption to production. This workshop comes at a crucial moment in our democratic development, aimed at accelerating the implementation of our advanced 2022 STI policy, UNESCO’s open science recommendation, and other key initiatives that align with the Sustainable Development Goals for 2030. 

“Under my leadership, the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology remains committed to working closely with UNESCO to mobilize resources for fully implementing the STI policy and UNESCO open science recommendation. We aim to foster sustainable development in Nigeria, ensuring our actions reflect current development realities and support national progress. 

“We recognize the challenges our people face and the current economic difficulties. We are committed to alleviating these hardships. Our focus on the Executive Order No. 5 will continue, emphasizing the use of local labor, materials and technology in production to support Nigeria through these challenging times. My recent participation in UNGA 2024 and its side meetings mark the culmination of exploratory engagements to consolidate earlier discussions.

In his goodwill message, the Commissioner for Science and Technology from Cross River State, Dr. Justine Beshel expressed his delight in participation of his state in the workshop and pledged their commitment to entrenching STI in the government systems.

He said “Open Science is all about collaboration, making data available, making sure that research, innovation is readily available for the grassroots and communities to see how they can make use of it to grow.

“Science is applied in agriculture, science is applied in engineering, science is applied in health, there is no place where science is not applied. And so, as Cross Riverians, we are open, we are ready to partner with UNESCO to ensure that this policy is domesticated in our state. 

“We look forward to more collaborations in areas that other states are already well grounded more than Cross River.

“And especially because last time, by the special grace of God, we showcased some innovations, we showcased our local content and we are rated as the best in Nigeria. We wouldn’t want to go back, we wouldn’t want to go back. So we are open. 

“UNESCO, thank God you are here.  And other colleagues from other states, 

please, Cross River State is open to partner with you.”

On his part, the Commissioner for Science, Technology  and Innovation, represented by Kobal Joshua said Taraba State Minister of Science and Technology over the years has recorded success, recorded failures when Dr. Abu came on board, and that Taraba State grew from strength to strength.This workshop is very timely. It is coming at the time when Taraba needs it most because Taraba State is at the verge of establishing its state’s policy.