THE Federal Government has rewarded researchers, innovators and investors who distinguished themselves at the just concluded Technology and Innovation Expo 2019 in Enugu, Enugu State with a sum of N6.750 million.
Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu announced this at the closing ceremony of the Expo.
According to him, “I believe that this will encourage others to work harder and help us in building a new science and technology culture in our dear nation. The assessment was carried out professionally and in a very transparent manner with the aim of getting the best from the science, technology and innovation sector.”
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The awards were in four categories, Research Institutes, Tertiary Education Institutes, Technology Entrepreneurs and Junior Engineers, Technologist and Scientists (JETS). Each category was rewarded with N1million, N750,000 and N500,000 respectively.
In the tertiary institution category, University of Nigeria Nsuka, University of Uyo and Usman Dan Fodio University came first, second and third respectively, while Government Science and Technical College Garki, Area 3 Abuja, Excellence International School, Jalingo, Taraba State and St. Peters Unity School Ondo State came first, second and third in the (JETS) category .
National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) came first and second position respectively while National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and Nigerian Building and Roads Research Institute (NIBRRI) shared the third position in the Research Institute category.
In the Technology Entrepreneurs Category, Clarks Pharmaceutical Company, Bravura Electric Products and Peace Petroleum Nigeria Limited came first, second and third respectively.
The minister, therefore, called on Nigerians to utilise the greatest gifts given mankind by Almighty God, our human brain, to come up with ideas that would help solve the national problems.
“I want to assure that you that in this journey to build a bright future for our dear nation, the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, will not let you down. All Nigerians, working together, will utilise the power of science, technology and innovation as the key to unlock the door of Nigeria’s greatness.
“Nigeria is too rich a nation for Nigerians to be poor. Nigerians are too resourceful, too enterprising and too creative to lack technological knowledge. The task before us is to use science and technology to create jobs, create wealth and fight poverty, defeat illiteracy, eliminate hunger and development in our country.“ he stated.
A total of 159 Exhibitors took part at the Expo while 397 projects were exhibited.
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