By Dele Ogbodo
In its avowed drive towards the implementation of federal government’s knowledge and digital economy, the Minister of State for Science and Technology,
Mr. Mohammed Abdullahi, has canvassed the need for legal practitioners to adopt technology in streamlining judicial procedures.
The Minister who has rich legal as a legal practitioner before assumption of his present duty post, gave the charge when the Executive of the Abuja branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), paid him a courtesy call recently in his office in Abuja
He said that the ministry is working with its education counterpart to develop application to enhance virtual proceedings in courts and allow for tendering of documenting evidence electronically.
According to Abdullahi, the legal profession is critical to science, technology and innovation, adding that scientific inventions and innovations can only be patented through the instrument of law so as to ensure effective protection of intellectual property.
He called for greater collaborations between the ministry and the Association.
He explained that legal practitioners can assist the ministry and its agencies in signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between them and other relevant organisations within and outside the country.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Association, Ms. Hauwa Shekarau, said the essence of their visit is to extend pleasantries to the Minister as well as seek collaboration for mutual benefits
She describes the Minister as a patriot who believes in the service of the country and humanity.