Buhari Insists science, Technology Deserves Government Encouragement To Boost Economic Development

President Muhammadu Buhari has promised to correct the neglect of research, science and technology by past governments, insisting that no country can make progress without serious commitment to the development of science and  technology.
Speaking today after receiving a briefing on the activities of the Ministry of Science and Technology, President Buhari made it clear that his administration will dedicate more resources and energy to the sector.
The President said that he will fully encourage the work of the Ministry of Science and Technology because innovations from the various research institutes under its supervision could also impact positively on industrial development and manufacturing in Nigeria.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Winifred Oyo-Ita had enumerated several challenges hindering its effectiveness, including perennial poor funding and the lack of recognition on the part of successive governments of science and technological innovation as a major driver of economic development.
Mrs. Oyo-Ita told the President that the focus of the Ministry had moved from academic research to market-based innovative research aimed at  boosting industrialization.
She asked for more support and political will from the Federal Government to encourage scientific research, innovation and local manufacturing.
Also today, President Buhari received the outgoing British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Andrew Pocock and the outgoing Swiss Ambassador, Mr. Hans-Rudolf Hodel.
The President thanked both envoys for their efforts to strengthen relations between Nigeria and their respective countries and wished them success in their future assignments.
The former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Sir Shridath Ramphal, who is in Nigeria on a visit, also paid a courtesy call on President Buhari. [myad]