LAGOS: A new science, technology and innovation policy has been approved by the Nigeria's federal government, said the Minister of Science and Technology Ita Ewa. He disclosed this in his keynote address in Uyo at the Akwa Ibom Science & Technology (AKISTECH) Week Exhibition/Fair 2012, with the theme, “Uncommon Transformation Through Science & Technology.” Ewa said the new policy was a demonstration of the commitment of the federal government to the development of science and technology in Nigeria. The policy will drive national development in all spheres, including energy, agriculture, transportation, environment, health, and education, he announced. “The history of developed countries around the world has confirmed that Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) remains the platform that drives the potential within these sectors through research and development programs,” he said. The State Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio, remarked that Akwa Ibom would remain committed to the development of science and technology as it is the field of human endeavor, where the frontiers of knowledge are being expanded. He assured the audience that the present administration would provide employment and encourage wealth creation as it continues to invest in science and technology and fulfill the wish of the people. Akpabio urged the youth in science and technical institutions to take advantage of government's huge investments in science education. Earlier, the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Comfort Etuk, had underscored the essence of innovation in facilitating development. Etuk highlighted the need for the innovations to be towards harnessing, developing and diffusing locally developed technologies for production of goods to meet high standards. BM ShortURL: http://goo.gl/Ta1BT Tags: Nigeria, Policy, Science Section: Tech, West Africa
