By Dele Ogbodo
The federal government, yesterday said that it is fine tuning the necessary framework and strategies to address the inability
of Nigerian scientists to access and attract funding for their research projects and works.
The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, made the disclosure while addressing journalists in Abuja World on the forthcoming Nigeria/Portugal Scientists’ conference scheduled for Monday next week.
Dr. Onu, said government is therefore partnering Portugal to fast tract commercialization of research and development results and also expose to Nigerian Scientists to best practices in scientific and innovative research.
According to him, the collaboration, will in the short term expose the home grown scientists to international contacts, facilitates sharing of ideas, and improve access to international funding.
The theme of the summit he added is tagged science technology and Nigeria/Portugal collaborative memorandum, which will feature space science and technologies for the overall growth and development of Nigeria through biotechnology, health, industrialization and marine technology.
Onu, also disclosed that the collaboration between the 2 countries has already placed Nigeria as founding member of a world group to study the Atlantic Ocean using science and technology tools particularly in the application of Space science and technology.
He said: “The Air Center will provide the opportunity for Nigerian Scientists, Engineers and allied professional and Allied Professionals to join other scientists to study and explore the Atlantic ocean to the benefit of Nigerians and other citizens in the world
“This will help us to achieve the goals of the Nigerian Economic Recovery and Growth Plan because the study of and exploration of the Atlantic Ocean cannot be done without the involvement of Nigeria, when we have a large coastal area boundary with Atlantic Ocean.”
The minister called on Nigeria and Nigerian scientists to join the world scientific community in of ensuring sustainable use of the Atlantic Ocean from the beginning.
The Director of Science and Technology Promotion, Mr. Ekanem Udo, in his closing remark called for the cooperation of Nigerians especially the mass media throughout the duration of the conference.