The House of Representatives on Wednesday expressed its resolve towards repositioning the nation’s Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) with a view to driving economic growth/diversification, fostering social development and ensuring global competitiveness.
Chairman, House Committee on Science and Technology, Hon. Bagos Dachung Musa gave the assurance in Abuja, while inaugurating the committee.
While acknowledging that the country’s science and technology is at its lowest ebb, he assured that the 10th Assembly’s resolve to change the negative narrative.
He said: “Our mandate, as outlined in the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives, is a testament to our Committee’s pivotal role in shaping our nation’s future. To achieve these goals, I am pleased to present our Committee’s comprehensive work plan for the tenure ahead.
“This plan is designed to guide our efforts, focusing on key areas that will enable us to fulfill our mandate effectively.
“We will engage with relevant stakeholders, including the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology, agencies under the ministry, and Nigerian experts in STI living in the diaspora. These sessions will help us identify areas of legislative intervention and enhance our oversight functions. Performance Checks (Oversight Visit): Through oversight visits, we will ascertain compliance and implementation levels of the 2023 Appropriation Act, ensuring prudent utilisation of resources allocated to the Ministry and its agencies.
“Budget hearings. We will engage MDAs under the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology in discussions about policies, programs, and budgets needed to boost the STI sector. Proper funding from budgetary allocations will be our focus.
“Special Intervention Fund – Our Committee will assess intervention needs and the utilization of funds from international partners, donor agencies, and grantees in the STI sector. We will work to ensure improved utilization of grants for the sector’s benefit.
“A study tour will be organized to learn from the legislative committees on STI in select nations, aiming to enhance our knowledge and apply international best practices in maximizing Nigeria’s STI potentials.”
“We will host a retreat bringing together major stakeholders in STIs to synergize on tapping the vast STI potentials for economic diversification and national development.
“On the Stay Home and Grow Campaign, Initiatives will be developed to discourage brain drain and utilise the potential of Nigerian youths in the STI sector for national development.
He also reiterated the committee’s plans to conduct visits to various educational institutions, including science and technical secondary and tertiary Institutions with a view to encouraging innovation, identify areas of special needs, and facilitate legislative interventions,” Musa assured.
READ ALSO FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
and then