The Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology (FMIST) awards one million naira to Government Science Secondary School Pyakassa for taking 1st position in quiz competition, in commemoration 2023 of World Science Day Celebration, today in Abuja.
The Honorable Minister, Chief Uche Geoffery Nnaji who was represented by his Technical Adviser on strategy and programmes, Prof. Martins Nnanyelugo Ike-munso said that the world acknowledges Science and Technology’s pivotal role in the development of the nation, emphasizing that meaningful development cannot be achieved by any nation without science, technology and innovation.
The theme of this year’s celebration is “Building Trust in Science”, which underscores the indispensable need to foster trust in scientific endeavors, which is the bedrock upon which the edifice of Science progress stands.
The Minister further stated that the imperative for achieving sustainable progress and societal achievements depends on trust, in the scientific processes through ensuring transparency, credibility and ethnical practices in every scientific pursuit.
Nnaji also maintained that the Ministry remains resolute in its dedication to uphold trust in Science as its commitment extends beyond scientific advancement, which encompasses fostering a friendly environment where confidence and integrity and scientific discoveries and innovations thrives.
According to the Minister, “in our efforts to encourage trust in the nation’s scientific potential and nurture a culture of catching them young in excellent scientific pursuits, the Ministry has been organizing the 774 Young Nigerians scientists Presidential Award (774 YONSPA) annually”.
This he added is to effectively encourage and develop the interest of the teeming youths in Sciences, resulting in their taking up professions in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
The Minister stated that he is highly elated after witnessing the performances of the students on the quiz competition and projects exhibition adding that Nigeria will soon become an innovative hub of Africa.
In the quiz competition, Government Science Secondary School Pyakassa took 1st position, with a cash prize of One Million Naira (1000,000.00)while in the project exhibition category, Government Science Technical College, Garki Area 3, took 1st position with a cash prize of Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N500,000.00)
Speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Federal Ministry of Innovation Science and Technology, Mr. James Sule, who was represented by the Director, Science, Technology and Promotions (STP), Mr. Ukpong Ronald Okon, said that the World Science Day provides the platform where citizens kept abreast of development in the field of science.
He also urged all stakeholders of the Ministry, Nigerians and the media to encourage development and sustainable Science and Technology sector for the desired diversification of the Country’s economy.
Eariler, the Secretary-General, Nigerian National Commission for United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Dr. Olagunju Idowu who was represented by Mrs. Ayara Eunice Oluremi said that Science is the application of knowledge and understanding of the national and social world with a systematic methodology.
She also added that building trust in Science requires knowing the source of information, its reliability, transparency and accountability.
In his Contribution, Prof. Uno Essang Uno said that Science is a logical way that involves measurement, observation, and can be used in agriculture and medicine adding that for science to be used for development; methodological procedure must be globally acceptable in solving problems.
Signed:
Atuora Obed O
DD(Press & Public Relations)
10th October, 2023.