The Honorable Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Dr. (Sen.) Adeleke Olorunnimbe Mamora has said that in an era where knowledge and free market are the main engines of development, science and Technology Park is needed to form the base for industrial competitiveness of our nation.
The Minister said this during the ground breaking ceremony and signing of memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the development of Science and Technology Park and Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Museum by Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (FMSTI) and Across Atlantic Development (AAD) United Kingdom (UK) recently in Abuja.
According to the Minister, Science and Technology Park Programme has been globally celebrated as one of the essential tools or platform that have tremendously transformed the developmental landscape of nations that embrace it
Mamora explained that the essence of signing the memorandum of understanding is essentially for industrial competitiveness geared towards development of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI), creation of jobs for the teaming unemployed youths.
He emphasized that in line with the quest to diversify the economy, the FMSTI signed Memorandum of Understanding with Across Atlantic Development (AAD), United Kingdom to develop and establish the Science and Technology park as well as Science Museum at SHEDA Science and Technology Complex (SHESTCO).
He further stated that the partnership which was initiated through Public Private Partnership (PPP) initiative, with AAD, indicates readiness to the much needed expertise and funding for the development of Science and Technology Park.
The Minister also, reiterated the FMSTI’s efforts in promoting the establishment of Science and Technology Park in Nigeria since 2006 while the implementation began in 2007, after conducting a nationwide survey of identifying Science, Engineering, Technology and Innovation (SETI) Land Scope of the country, thereafter, Six Science Parks were proposed in each of the six geo-political zones.
Mamora stated that 79.5 hectares of land has been provided for establishment of a model Science, and Technology Park at SHESTCO Abuja, and informed the stakeholders that FMSTI was partnering with Institutions and Development Partners, locally and internationally to assist the implementation of SHESTCO, Science and Technology Park.
Earlier, the Minister for State, Science, Technology and Innovation, Chief Henry Ikechukwu Ikoh said that SHESTCO Science and Technology Park is meant to serve as a Model for replication by State Governments, Universities, Private sector and other organizations interested in establishing Science and Technology Parks, adding that it will enhance the achievements of the desired objective of STI in the Country’s Development.
In the same vein, the DG of SHESTCO in his speech, Prof Paul Onyenekwe stated that Science and Technology Park is expected to have supporting infrastructure for the establishment and development of the country.
Signed
Atoura Obed O.
DD (P&PR)
17th May,2023.