FG committed to establishing model parks for sustainable development — Minister

The Federal Government says it is committed to establishing and promoting model Science and Technology parks for Nigeria’s sustainable development.

Chief Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology said this in Abuja at the kick-off of a conference for the development of the Science and Technology Park, which is to be built in SHESTCO, in the FCT.

It was reported that in May 2023, the ministry signed an MoU with Across Atlantic Development, United Kingdom through the Public Private Partnership on the project.

Nnaji, represented by Prof. Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso, his Technical Assistant on Strategy and Programmes, said that due to resource constraints, the government was leveraging on the private sector expertise and funds.

“The ministry had projected that From 2019 to 2030, it will be responsible for establishing a robust STI system, focusing on areas like updating the STI Policy, revitalising Federal Research Institutes, establishing science and technology parks,” he said.

The minister said that globally, science and technology parks have been transformative in enhancing industrial competitiveness, adding that as hubs of research and development, universities play pivotal roles in these parks.

“They nurture talents and foster technological startups, highlighting the importance of human capital in future organisations,”Nnaji said.

He added that the ministry had advocated for the establishment of science and technology parks since 2006 and that plans evolved to focus on a Model Park at SHESTCO, Abuja.

Nnaji said that this was in collaboration also with institutions like the World Technopolis Association and UNESCO.

Meanwhile, Mr Nyesome Wike, Minister of the FCT, in his goodwill message, stated that the development of the park project meant setting sight on a future filled with infinite possibilities and unprecedented potentials.

Represented by Augustine Ugafor, Director of ICT Wike said the park represented a remarkable endeavor that would catalyse innovation and research, bringing together the brightest minds in science and technology.

Earlier, Dr David Apollos, CEO and Founder, Across Atlantic, made a presentation on the Hybrid Science and Technology Park (Africa’s Silicon Valley).

Similarly, Prof. Paul Onyenekwe, Director-General, SHESTCO, remarked that that Complex was well positioned to anchor the science and technology parks

It was reported that the keynote address was delivered by Dr Umar Bandir, former National Coordinator, National Social Investment Programme (NSIP).