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The Minister of Science and Technology, Prof. Ita Okon Bassey Ewa has called on the African Union (AU) to consider the engagement of Nigerian scientists in its research activities.
Ewa made the call when he received a delegation from the African Union Science Technical Research Commission (AU/STRC) led by the Executive Secretary, Dr Ahmad Hamdi in his office.
He said, “it would be worthwhile if Nigerian Scientists are engaged at the AU to be part of its research crew.”
He urged the commission to consider the establishment of a research desk at the African Union, saying that “it will help to establish a focal point for research and development in Nigeria and ensure direct connection with Addis Ababa.
“Nigeria looks forward to having research collaborations with the Commission that showcases and reflect our research commitment.”
The minister also commended the AU/STRC for their assistance to under developed countries in Africa. He posited that the action will ensure leverage with countries like Egypt, South Africa and Nigeria, adding that such initiatives have yielded some positive results.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Dr. Hamdi, solicited the assistance of the ministry in moving the commission’s office from Lagos to Abuja, saying that it would not be possible without the assistance of the ministry.
Dr. Hamdi, who described Science and Technology as the engine for development, decried that Africa has not been able to cope with progress made by developed nations in the sector.
He declared that the era of brown development was over and that Africa was going into the era of green development even as he maintained that it was time for Africa especially Nigeria to be in the fore in the issue of green technology.
Speaking in a statement by the Assistant Director, Press, Mr. Stephen Nelson, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Hajia Rabi Jimeta stated the ministry’s desire to have the commission as an implementation partner for the recently approved National Science Technology and Innovation Policy, which according to her will be launched and popularized soon.
