that Nigeria recognizes the centrality of science and technology in the
development process and will ensure adequate resource allocation for
research and development.
Speaking at a breakfast meeting of the Commission on Science and
Technology for Sustainable Development in the South (COMSATS) organized
by the President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo in his capacity as
Chairperson, President Buhari said technology is aiding Nigeria’s
advancement in critical sectors of the economy.
He noted that his administration was conscious of the relevance of
science and technology in national development and as such has a
ministry dedicated to the sector, which is headed by a scientist.
”We are concentrating on encouraging our students, at the primary and
post primary levels, to love and study more of science related subjects
rather than arts, political science and history,” the Nigerian leader
said at the meeting on the margins of the 33rd AU Summit.
The President acknowledged that while finding resources to fund science
and technology related ventures could be a challenge, Nigeria was aware
of the huge benefits and will continue to do her best to ensure adequate
resource allocation for research and development.
In his remarks, the Ghanaian President said as an inter-governmental
organization made up of 27 member states, COMSATS was playing a leading
role in cultivating an enhanced culture of scientific and technological
cooperation among member states.
He said the body was achieving this objective through capacity building,
education, research and development
Contributing to an open discussion at the meeting, Governor Ben Ayade of
Cross River State, who is part of the Nigerian President’s entourage to
Ethiopia, called on the body to structure its operations in a way that
creates ”centres of excellence” in member states.
Ayade said such centres will help in education, training and research
for citizens of participating countries in specific fields and vocations
of science and technology.