Kaduna State Government is dedicated to creating a knowledge-based economy and the administration has instituted reforms, enacted policies and programmes towards this vision.
Commissioner of Planning and Budget Commission, Hajiya Umma Aboki noted this at the Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and Creativity Festival, which was organized to celebrate Kaduna State @ 55.
Giving a keynote address at the occasion, she disclosed that the state government has collaborated with development partners to establish platforms to advance science and technology.
The commissioner listed the Kaduna ICT Hub, Kada Hive, Data Science fellowship Program, support for entrepreneurs as initiatives that will help expand the access of young people to acquire ICT skills to drive innovation.
Hajiya Umma further noted that most countries are shifting to knowledge-based economy, rather than depending on natural resources.
‘’This shift from a resource-based to a knowledge-based economy by countries is rooted in the creativity abilities of its citizens and their capability to develop new knowledge and application of science.
‘’Several scholars have argued that, for countries to thrive in this modern knowledge age, there is the need to transform to knowledge based economic concepts,’’ she added.
According to her, countries need to start prioritizing in the world’s most creative industry, Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), to ensure economic growth.
‘’Research has shown that countries that have adopted STEM are characterized by huge technological development which has resulted to improved economic outcome,’’ she added.
The commissioner disclosed that a report by the PwC indicate that, ‘’changing just 1% of the workforce into STEM would significantly increase a countries GDP.’’
‘’STEM is a creative thinking program with the aim of developing youths to generate ideas and foster positive endeavors within and outside the state,’’ she further said.
