By Victoria Ojeme

The Federal Government has announced President Tinubu administration’s ambitious plans to harness science, technology, and innovation (STI) in the fight against hunger and poverty across the country.

Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology Uche Nnaji revealed this strategy at the opening ceremony of the West African Network of National Academies of Sciences (WANNAS) General Assembly on Monday in Abuja.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to empowering Nigerians with relevant skills through training programs in areas like machine fabrication, renewable energy, and small-scale power generation.

“We are equipping entrepreneurs with homegrown technologies to help their businesses flourish and create jobs,” Nnaji stated.

The Minister highlighted the importance of collaboration across various sectors, including government agencies, research institutions, universities, and the private sector.

This collaborative approach aims to develop innovative, localized solutions for sustainable job creation and poverty reduction at the regional level.

The Minister described it as “a home-grown model of socio-economic transformation” designed to break down silos and foster collaboration for national security and prosperity.

Nnaji also underscored the role of STI in diversifying the Nigerian economy, a key objective of the federal government.

He pointed to historical examples of nations achieving greatness through investment in science and technology, citing countries that rebuilt their economies after conflict by embracing innovation.

The Minister emphasized the significance of WANNAS, a network of scientific experts, as a valuable resource for tackling regional challenges.

He urged West African nations to leverage STI for mutual benefit, advocating for collaboration to strengthen regional currencies and address exchange rate issues.

Nnaji stressed the crucial role of academia in laying a strong foundation for regional development. He called upon National Academies of Sciences to champion a shift towards innovation and industrialization across West Africa.

In his address, Prof. Fatou Sarr, ECOWAS Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, highlighted the importance of WANNAS.

She described the network as a “think-thank” with the potential to address various societal issues at national, regional, and global levels.

“The reason for our gathering today is important for the development of our countries. In fact, the living standards of a nation depend on the abundance of scientific development and technology.

“This lies in the capacity of its actors to find viable solutions to the problems of the society and contribute to the sociology-economic development of our countries,” she said.

Vanguard News