The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, has declared his resolve to involve all the 17 Parastatals under his Ministry towards identifying research findings in all sectors of the development chain that can be commercialized.
Dr. Onu disclosed this at a special consultative meeting with Directors-General of the parastatals of the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, held Thursday, in Abuja.
“Let me affirm that the protection of intellectual property which we have vigorously pursued, will restore confidence in the place of research findings in stimulating the role of commercialization of products as an important instrument for economic development.
“Already, we have shown great promise such that the number of registered Patents through the assistance of the National office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion,(NOTP), has risen from 6 in 2015, to 16 in 2016 and as high as 50 in 2017.
“These constitute the strong foundation for utilizing science, technology and innovation to create wealth, reduce poverty and diversify the economy in a sustainable, inclusive and competitive manner,” he said.
The Minister said the committee will be headed by the Director, Science and Technology Promotion. Its findings will help the commercialization of research findings and sensitization of Nigerians on the importance of being competitive in order to enhance efficiency and better service delivery for the good all.
He called on all Nigerians to join hands to enable the Buhari Administration succeed in the new direction it resolved to take the country, with science, technology and innovation being the key driver.
“I urge all of you to lend your support to this important effort to permanently change Nigeria for the good of all Nigerians by using science, technology and innovation to make her truly great.
“I am confident that Nigeria is on her way to the promised land of milk and honey for all, in which science, technology and innovation will serve as a pathfinder. I am sure that by the grace of God, we shall succeed,” he concluded.
