By Dwelleth Morountodun
The Federal Government is soon to allocate 1 percent of the National Gross Domestic Product to fund research and development in the country.
The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, disclosed this when the Technical Committee on Nigeria’s Space Programme paid him a courtesy call on Thursday, in his office Abuja
Onu said all areas of research and development, including space exploration will benefit researchers as soon as the fund takes off.
The minister further said that the National Research and Innovation Council will soon be constituted by Mr President to boast research and ensure the deployment of science and technology to boost the economy.
According to him, government will also enhance the manpower capacity in the space sector through advance training in order to make Nigeria a space nation, he added.
The government, he said will also facilitate the development of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence so as to further research in marine underwater and the ocean.
According to the minister, there are so many minerals resources underneath the ocean that need to be explored for the benefit of the nation.
He assured the Committee of the support of the Ministry in its efforts to enhance space exploration.
According to the minister, with the affiliation of our Space Agency with Pan- African University, more Nigerians will be trained in space science technology.
Onu assured the Committee that, the ministry will collaborate with it to encourage research development in space science technology.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Committee, Prof. Clifford Teme, said funding is the major challenge facing Nigeria’s space development.
He however assured the minister that the committee will do its utmost to make Nigeria a foremost nation in space research.
He also appealed to the minister to ensure that the proposed African Space Agency is domesticated in Nigeria given its pioneering role in space research and exploration.
Teme, commended NARSDA for its efforts in space research and capacity building of its workforce by producing 161 Ph. D holders in space science technology.