FG To Establish Innovation Centres Across Geographical Zones

Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation has announced that the ministry will establish technology and innovation centres in the country’s six geo-political zones.

Onu disclosed this while speaking at the 87th Birthday Lecture in honour of Chief Gabriel Igbinedion on Monday at the Igbinedion University Okada, Benin.

He said that the centres would bring academia, research institutes and the industry to work together in the geopolitical zones to promote science and technology.

Onu said that the ministry was working tirelessly to ensure the productive utilisation of science technology innovations in the country.

The minister expressed worries that Nigerian universities, industries and research centres had not been working together for the common good of the people.

He said that the development had affected the pace of industrialisation and aggravated unemployment challenges in the country.

“As a nation, we have truly progressed without paying special attention to science, technology and innovation.

“We are confident that through these centres our nation will in the next few years produce icons in science and technology innovations,” he said.

Earlier, Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye, Vice-Chancellor, Igbinedion University Okada, described the lecture in honour of Igbinedion as `well-thought-out.

“We are celebrating the founder of our university, the Esama of Benin Kingdom at 87 years of age.

“His contributions to national development are immeasurable, particularly in business, education and health sector development.

“The annual celebration of our honourable Chancellor’s birthday remains relevant, it seeks to appreciate the pioneering spirit of a man with a large heart,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event witnessed the official unveiling of the Buratai Centre for Contemporary Security Affairs at the university premises.