World Science Day: Minister Intensifies Indigenous Solution To National Challenges

The minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh has intensified efforts to drive indigenous solutions for national challenges, using science for the total transformation of the country in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

The minister stated this during the 2025 World Science Day in Abuja on Monday held at the National Airspace Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) with the theme  “Trust, Transformation and Tomorrow: The Science We Need For 2025.”

The minister assured that he would give leadership and direct programmes and policies that will produce homegrown solutions to secure the nation and bring prosperity to Nigeria, stressing that science is one key driver of development.

“I will give leadership and direction to inspire our scientists in universities, in research institutes, our youth in the educational sector to utilize innovation in science and technology   and ensure prosperity backed by innovation that can take Nigeria where it ought to be.”

The minister stated that the government was investing in human capital, scientific research, and technological advancements.

“We have set up Technology and Innovation Hubs and Model Science Laboratories in each of the six geographical zones. Young entrepreneurs, researchers, and innovators can experiment, learn, collaborate, and sell new ideas in these centres.

This is how we nurture the science we need for 2050,” he said.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Esuabana Nko-Asanye, in her remarks, stated that the Ministry was investing in Science for peaceful and sustainable development, adding that it was an essential component that all sectors must adopt to boost their activities and achieve proper economic diversification.

“I encourage all Nigerians to become advocates of the Science, technology and innovation ecosystem because it is critical to hasten the nation’s economic growth and development—innovation and invention when it is right, guarantee a better tomorrow. However, we look beyond 2050 to 2060;   we are also looking at the agenda 2063 of the African Union (AU).

“We will continue to strengthen public advocacy awareness, campaign and promote national and international solidarity of shared values, using science for the benefit of our society,” she said.

She also emphasised the importance of investing in the talent and skills of young Nigerians to enhance their capacity in the sector.

The director general of the National Airspace Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Matthew Adepoju, in his remarks, said, “Science is the most excellent engine of transformation the world has ever seen.    The science we cultivate today must be bold, disruptive and solution-oriented.

“It must also transform our economy from resource-based to knowledge–based. It must transform agricultural practices to precision agriculture and set our nation on the path of irreversible growth and development.”

The highlight of the event was when the Minister gave awards to two young Nigerian students, Joy Ezekiel of Government School Tunga Maje and Ogar John Mario of Gado Nasko Primary School, Abuja, for their outstanding performance in science-related topics.

World Science Day is celebrated annually on November 10, and it was initiated and endorsed by UNESCO in 2001.