THE private sector in the country has been urged to show more interest in supporting researches and innovations in universities and research institutions.
Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, gave the advice at the Alex-Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo in Ebonyi while inaugurating the upgraded chemical laboratory, equipped by PZ Cusson,
Africa in collaboration with the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP)
“The federal ministry of science and technology is at the forefront of ensuring that laboratories in the universities, research institutions among others, are upgraded.
According to the minister, attaining world-class laboratories will help Nigeria have world-class researches and one day, produce a Nobel laureate in physics, medicines and chemistry.
“The laboratories should be encouraged because if we can produce high-quality manpower, it will help industries increase productivity and make more money.
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He noted that teaching and researches in the nation’s universities should be geared towards solving national problems.
“The ministry’s interest is to promote researches driven by industrial needs and this will ensure that commercialising research findings would not be a problem.
He also added that Nigeria cannot continue depending entirely on other nations to solve there needs as the nation has some of the most intelligent people in the world
He then directed for the immediate establishment of an Intellectual Property and Technological Transfer Office (IPTTO) in the university.
NOTAP Director-General, Alhaji Dan-Azumi Ibrahim, said that the agency has the view that developing human capacities, facilities and policies, would ensure that Nigeria moves forward.
“We should foremostly, undertake research and development that is capable of producing products and services.
He noted that such can only take place in the universities, research institutions and industries in spite of the funding problems they experience.
Chief Executive of PZ Cusson, Mr Christos Giannopoulos Africa noted that the establishment would continue upgrading universities in the country as part of its social responsibilities.
Vice Chancellor of AE-FUNAI, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba commended the ministry of science and technology for its efforts towards enhancing Nigeria’s economic development through science, technology and innovation.
“This institution which places high premium on research, also appreciate NOTAP and PZ Cusson for the partnership that gave birth to the event we are witnessing.
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