Everest Amaefule, Abuja

The Federal Government has inaugurated a Technical Advisory Committee for the National Research and Innovation Council.

The National Research and Innovation Council chaired by President Muhammadu Buhari is prescribed in the National Science Technology and Innovation Policy as the highest decision-making organ of government in research and innovation.

Inaugurating the technical committee on Friday, the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, urged members of the committee to put the interest of the country first in the discharge of their duties.

Onu reminded the committee members that Nigeria as a nation first identified the important role of science and technology as far back as 1986 when it came up with the National Science Technology and Innovation Policy which had been revised several times with the last revision taking place in 2013.

He said, It took 28 years (on February 18, 2014) for the National Research and Innovation Council to be inaugurated. Yet this vital council never met until January 7, 2016, 30 years after the policy came into existence for the council to hold its first meeting.

As we deliberate today, it is important that we rededicate ourselves to greater love for our country and come up with decisions that will help guide the National Research and Innovation Council in its difficult but very important assignment of effectively directing research and innovation in our dear country.

The minister reminded members of the promise of President Buhari to all Nigerians that he would support the development of science and technology in the country in addition to the pledge to secure the nation, grow the economy, provide jobs for the people and uphold the rule of law.

According to him, these can only be achieved if the committee gives utmost commitment to its assignment.

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