Abuja (Federal Ministry of Science and Technology Report) – “The capacity of any government to achieve developmental objectives and lofty visions using the instrument of science and technology depends largely on support from different agencies of government,” the Minister of Science and Technology, Abdu Bulama (Dr) made this remark while inaugurating the Governing Boards of the two parastatals of the Ministry in Abuja recently.
Abdu Bulama added that the National Research Institute for Chemical Technology (NARICT) and the Nigerian Institute of Leather Science and Technology (NILEST) are strategic to the development of Science and Technology and act as vehicle for national development and transformation in Nigeria.
According to him, science, technology and innovation have been proven to be the key factors for rapid socio-economic transformation of nations. He stressed that the current administration under the leadership of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is working diligently to improve on the wellbeing of Nigerians through the Transformation Agenda. He also expressed belief that the activities of the two complementary parastatals, NARICT and NILEST have been strengthened with the inauguration of the Boards for the speedy realization of the transformation agenda in the science and technology sector.
The Minister urged the Chairmen and Members of the Governing Boards to ensure that the implementation of every aspects of their policies is pursued with diligence, in order to elevate them to the front burner of national development. He further called on them to make time for acquaintance with the mandates of the respective Boards, saying this will contribute to engendering the development of their parastatals.
While charging them to see themselves as part of the Science, Technology and Innovation Team in the efforts to deploy science and technology apparatus for national development, Abdu Bulama expressed optimism that the Boards will play pivotal roles towards commercialising the Research and Development (R&D) products of the two parastatals. He called on the Board Members to bring fulfilment to the public expectations on them as regards their oversight functions, assuring them of the support of the ministry in their endeavours.
Speaking on behalf of the Governing Boards of NARICT and NILEST, G.T.N. Ajakpo expressed the determination of the Boards to work diligently to take the parastatals to lofty heights. He further stressed that they are not unmindful of the importance of the two agencies to the Transformation Agenda of Mr. President and pledged their support to the Management of the Agencies with a view to engendering technological growth, employment generation and achieving foreign exchange earnings.
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