The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu has said that science and technology were very essential to the development of the country.
Speaking during a visit to the Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi (FIIRO), in Lagos, Onu said science and technology could aid government’s diversification programme and boost the job creation agenda of the government.
“We cannot continue to be a consumer nation; all we need to consume should be from inside and not from outside and this will give rise to creation of jobs for the youths,” he said.
The minister said that the National Research Innovation Council, through its National Research and Innovation Fund would help to boost research and development when funds are available.
Director General of FIIRO, Dr Gloria Elemo, said the institute was poised to assist the government for rapid transformation and diversification of the nation’s economy.
“The institute is fully with you in your campaign of using the instrument of science and technology to drive the national economy being propelled by the Federal Government’s change agenda.
“The campaign is already yielding fruits as National Assembly more than ever is giving priority to science and technology in budgetary allocation.
“Government have realised that the country cannot achieve true economic growth and independence as long as science, technology and innovation ebb,” she said.
