Researchers and innovators who excelled in the in the recently concluded Technology and Innovation Expo 2019 in Enugu State, have been rewarded with N6.750 million by the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu.
A statement issued Monday, by the Head of Press and Public Relations unit in the ministry Mr AbdulGaniyu Aminu, quoted the minister as saying that such effort was to encourage indigenous technology in the nation.
“I believe that this will encourage others to work harder and help us in building a new science and technology culture in our dear nation.
“The assessment was carried out professionally and in a very transparent manner with the aim of getting the best from the science, technology and innovation sector,” Onu said.
The minister, who disclosed that the rewards were in four categories, namely: Research Institutes, Tertiary Education Institutes, Technology Entrepreneurs, and Junior Engineers, Technologist and Scientists (JETS), added that the categories were each rewarded with N1 million, N750,000 and N500,000 respectively.
He further disclosed that the University of Nigeria Nsuka, University of Uyo and Usmanu Dan Fodio University, Sokoto, came first, second and third respectively.
According to him, Government Science and Technical College, Garki, Area 3, Abuja, Excellence International School, Jalingo in Taraba and St. Peters Unity School, Ondo, came first, second and third respectively in the (JETS) category.
Also, the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) came first and second position respectively, while National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and Nigerian Building and Roads Research institute (NIBRRI) shared the third position in the Research Institute category.’
Onu noted that in the Technology Entrepreneurs Category, Clarks Pharmaceutical Company, Bravura Electric Products and Peace Petroleum Nig. Ltd came first, second and third.
He called on Nigerians to use their brains to come up with ideas that would help to solve national problems.
His words, “I want to assure you that in this journey to build a bright future for our dear nation, the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari will not let you down.
“All Nigerians, working together, will utilise the power of science, technology and innovation as the key to unlock the door of Nigeria’s greatness.”
The minister who said, Nigeria is too rich a nation for Nigerians to be poor, said that Nigerians were resourceful, enterprising and creative. He stressed the need to use science and technology to create jobs, create wealth and fight poverty, defeat illiteracy, eliminate hunger and develop Nigeria.