More than 100 Nigerians have been given training on Science and Technology Park research during a training workshop organized by the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) in Collaboration with UNESCO.
The training workshop which was themed “Enhancing the Knowledge and Skills of Science, Technology and Innovation (ST&I) Experts for Establishment of Science and Technology Parks in the Region” took place in Kaduna.
The training showed the Federal Government readiness to improve on science and technology in the country. It would be recalled that the government has proposed to establish technology centers in the country. Just few days ago, the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu has said that he would only go on made in Nigeria cars as a means of encouraging indigenous auto makers.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, Dr. Habiba Lawal who declared the workshop opened was represented by Dr. Adeleye Talabi. Dr. Lawal lauded the effort of NOTAP and UNESCO in working for the development of science and technology in the country by bringing sound minds together to discuss the matter.
In her speech as read by her representative, Dr. Lawal restate the mandate of the ministry which according to her is the creation of technology infrastructure and knowledge base in order to engender a wider application for development.
The Ministry of Science and Technology according to her would play a leadership role in the establishment of science and technology parks as a means of achieving one of its science, technology and innovation policy strategies, namely, to promote and inculcate the culture of STI in Nigeria.
Dr. DanAzumi Ibrahim, the Director General of NOTAP who also spoke during the opening of the training workshop explained that the urgent need for the region to compare notes and develop a pragmatic approach towards the growth of technology in the region necessitated the workshop. The need to also reduce over reliance on foreign technology is one of the factors which he mentioned that necessitated the workshop.
UNESCO Regional Director was represented by Dr. Osuji. According to him, the fact that the region occupies no space in the global technology market makes the workshop a necessity. He mentioned that the subregion would witness a fast technology development with the establishment of technology parks.
Up to 100 experts from various universities and research institutions across Nigeria and other five countries in West Africa attended the workshop
