Minister urges Kano State Govt. to create independent science, technology ministryp

Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, the Minister for Science and Technology on Monday urged the Kano State Government to set up an independent ministry for Science and Technology for more job creation.

Onu said this when the Action Committee for the Establishment of Neem Fertilizer Processing Plant of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology Innovation, Kano State paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja.

According to him, creating a ministry for Science and Technology in the state will separate its functions, encourage innovation and reduce dependency on resources.

“I will like to ask the governor of Kano State to create an independent ministry of science and technology.

“It is important that Kano State has a ministry of science and technology because we are now moving into technology based economy.

“We can’t continue to rely on resources because whenever there is a sharp drop in those resources, it affects our economy.

“We want to move into technology based economy and it is only through the application of science and technology properly that it can be achieved.

“The ministry, when created can provide jobs through research and innovations,” he said.

The minister pointed out that the state was notable in the country, adding that it was a commercial city and the second most populous.

Similarly, Onu said that establishing the fertiliser processing plant in the state was in line with the vision of President Muhammadu Buhari in achieving food security in the country.

According to him, the plant will ameliorate the food problems in the state and the country at large.

He, however, assured the delegation that the Federal Government would support the state in achieving the establishment of the fertiliser processing plant.

Onu said that the Federal Government would work closely with other states to utilise the resources in the country as well as harness the benefits of science and technology.

Mrs Bilkisu Waziri, the Permanent Secretary, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology Kano State, said that the fertiliser processing plant if established would be the first in the state.

According to Waziri, Kano State is ready to promote more establishments in the area of agriculture, science, technology and innovations to create revenue for the economy.

“The government is working to improve agriculture, ICT and if Kano starts the production of fertiliser, we will not need to import anymore.

“Kano will provide all the fertiliser needed in the country when the plant is established,” she said.

She pointed out that the state in the past provided e-education solution in tertiary institutions, 44 new technical colleges and internet access in schools.

Waziri said that the state earmarked funds in the past for science and technology education for students among other achievements.

The permanent secretary, however, appealed to the Federal Government to consider Kano State for the establishment of more vocations and agencies under the ministry for the promotion of Science and Technology in the country.