The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, has expressed
confidence that the proposed Assumpta Science Centre, Owerri, (ASCO), Imo
State, would stimulate and sustain the interest of young Nigerians, in
choosing careers from Science, Engineering and Technology related
disciplines.
He spoke in the Vatican City, Rome, during a meeting with the President of
the Pontifical Council for Culture, His Eminence, Cardinal Gianfranco
Ravasi.
The Minister thanked the Holy See for choosing Nigeria as headquarters of
the Centre in Africa and pledged the commitment of the Federal Ministry of
Science and Technology to honour her obligations as contained in the MoU
signed in October last year for the take-off of the Centre.
Dr. Onu restated the preparedness of President Muhammadu Buhari’s
Administration to fully explore the potentials of science and technology
in the task of nation building.
Earlier in his remarks, Cardinal Ravasi said the Assumpta Science Center,
Ofekata, Owerri, (ASCO) is an informal science learning centre borne out
of the need to deepen the culture of science, technology innovation and
engineering in Africa.
He disclosed that Nigeria was chosen as the headquarters of the programme
for Africa due to her leadership role and position in the continent.
It will be recalled that the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr.
Ogbonnaya Onu, had on Sunday April 24, this year, proceeded to the Vatican
City on a 4 day visit during which he was expected to hold discussions
with His Holiness, Pope Francis and other Vatican Authorities on the
modalities for the implementation of the already signed MoU between
Nigeria and the Holy See on the Assumpta Science Centre, Ofekata, Owerri,
Imo State.
He has since returned to the Country.