FG inaugurates 6-man committee on S & T

Federal Government, at the weekend, inaugurated a six-man committee forthe National Science and Technology, Research and Development (NSTRD) at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

ITRealms Online sources said that the presidential committee has to fashion a dimension for the 21st century foundation for science and technology in Nigeria.
The committee, ITRealms Online also gathered is presided over by the chairman of the Board of National Merit Award, Professor Oluwafeyisola Adegoke.

Other members of the committee are Professor (Senator) Iya Abubakar, Prof. Abiodun Francis Oluwole, Dr. Umar B. Bindir, Dr. O.P. Obande and Engr. R.D. Abubakar.

A deputy director in the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Malam Muhammed Bukar, would serve as committee’s secretary.

The formation and inauguration, our source further disclosed was at the instance of President, Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.

Just as the terms of reference of the committee comprises to advice government on how to fashion out and establish a National Science and Technology, Research and Development foundation, its sources of funds, legal status, and basic structures as well as functions.

ITRealms Online recalls that during the President Ibrahim Babangida era, a similar committee was set up with renowned activist Ishola Williams as the executive secretary.

Meanwhile, the federal government through the Ministry of Science and Technology currently has several plans for guided Research and Development (R&D) in all areas of Science and Technology according to the Minister, Mrs. Grace Ekpiwhire.

In addition to keeping abreast with latest progress in R & D in Science and Technology among industrial and educational communities within the country, the sub-region and overseas; ensuring that the various R & D efforts of public Science and Technology establishments fit in with the overall development plan of the nation.

As well as the linkage of researchers and their establishments with entrepreneurs for commercialization of successful research results, even as the ministry has the capacity to utilize the facilities of Technology Incubation (TI) and Science and Technology Parks (STP) to nurture new projects especially in areas of national priority.

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