Be solution providers, minister challenges Nigerian youths

THE Federal Government has challenged Nigerian youths to strive to be solution providers by aiming high and dreaming big.

It also challenged Nigerian scientists to find cure for the dreaded coronavirus otherwise known as COVID-19 which is rampaging many countries across the globe.

Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, stated this at the final examination of the Young Nigerian Scientists Presidential Award (YONSPA) in Abuja.

He said the ministry had discovered low interest by Nigerian youths to study science and science related courses.

Dr Onu said YONSPA is a deliberate programme of the ministry to take science to the grass roots and encourage Nigerian youths to participate in science and technology.

Dr. Onu also said the programme was aimed at making young Nigerians to develop interest in science and mathematics early in life.

According to him, “the essence of this programme is to dispel fear amongst students who have the notion that science is a difficult subject to study. The future is now bright for those who embrace career in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI).

‘’The programme will help them to explore the moon, heavenly bodies, ocean wealth in order to reduce poverty and contribute to solving major national, regional and international programmes,’’ he said.

He further said the excellent ones among them in the examination will be presented with presidential award by President Muhammadu Buhari, at the forthcoming Technology and Innovation Expo, scheduled to hold in Abuja this month.

It will be recalled that the three best students at the second and third editions of the programme are now enjoying scholarship that would take them to Phd. level.