The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to investing in young Nigerian scientists and equipping them with the skills and competence to transform them into global champions and make them relevant in the dynamic world of the Science, Technology, and Innovation ecosystem.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Esuabana Nko Asanye, gave this assurance at the event of presenting the results of the 9th Edition of the 774 Young Nigerian Scientists Presidential Award (774 YONSPA) in Abuja on Monday.
Represented by the Director of the Human Resource Department, Mallam Hassan Baba Ibrahim, the permanent secretary explained that the 774 Young Nigerian Scientist Presidential Award (774 YONSPA) is designed to spur students to propose solutions to practical problems that will enhance the country’s socio-economic development.
Esuabana also noted that the programme is organised by the Ministry annually across the 36 States of the federation through competitive examination for Secondary Schools.
adding that the objective is to produce a pool of dedicated scientists and technologists with the capacity to compete internationally.
She explained that the Ministry is focused on providing an enabling environment for developing Science, Technology and Innovative ideas that will boost the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The Permanent Secretary stated that the Ministry attaches great importance to this event and recognises the first, second, and third positions with a presidential handshake. She added that the successful students would also receive cash and a scholarship award to further their studies in any Nigerian university of their choice, enabling them to contribute to the growth and development of the nation.
In his remarks earlier, the Director of, the Science and Technology Promotion Department (STP), Mr. Ronald Ukpong, noted that the Ministry created the programme to encourage Nigerian youths to be interested and fashion their study careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education, adding that the good gesture covers the 774 Local Government Areas of the Federation where students compete in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics.
According to him, Nigeria can only attain true greatness when it applies Innovation, Science, and Technology. He tasked the youths with studying hard in their chosen careers and ensuring that Nigeria is recognized by the international community in the science sector.
The Chief Examiner of the Programme, Professor Uno-Uno, lauded the students for their exceptional performance in this year’s exercise compared to the previous year’s. He also urged the teachers to deploy new teaching techniques that will enable the students to understand the subjects better and more easily.
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