Institutes get governing boards

By Mohammed Usman

The minister of science and technology, Dr Abdul Bulama, has inaugurated the governing boards of the Notational Research Institute for Chemical Technology (NARICT) and Nigeria Institute of Leather Science and Technology (NILEST).

The inauguration took place yesterday at the ministry’s office.

speaking, the minister said that the two agencies were strategic to the development of science and technology as well as vehicle for national development and transformation stated that they were complementary parastatals of the federal ministry of science and technology that can make the realization of significant aspect of the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan.

The minister assured the agencies of his ministry’s support, adding that science and technology and innovation have been proven to be the key factor for rapid socio-economic transformation of nations. Bulama added that the ministry has commenced the implementation of the revised policy on science and technology and innovation.

He further expressed that in an order to transform Nigeria from consumption based one, they must deploy the tools at science and technology and innovation to all sectors of Nigeria’s economy to ensure the much needed development of our nation and people.

He said public institutes like theirs bear an abiding responsibility to preserve and enhance a legacy of learning, scholarship, and free inquiry that was unique to the institution or establishment, saying they must also exemplify the highest standards of integrity.

He urged the governing boards and management of the agencies on harmonious working relationship, expressing that science and technology remains the major determinant that categorizes nations into developed and developing economies.

In her welcome address, the permanent secretary of the ministry, Mrs Winifred Oyo-Ita, said that the federal government has been promoting and supporting research and development activities/programmes in areas of Energy, Biotechnology, Agriculture, Manufacturing, Medical and health science, Information and space technology among others through the federal ministry of science and technology.

Emphasizing the importance of science and technology, Oyo-Ita said that the contribution from science and technology was vital and the bedrock to national development for attaining economic independence through the active implementation of activities and programmes.

While urging the governing boards and management of the two agencies on harmonious relationship, Oyo-Ita said “It is my hope and expectation that this board will work harmoniously with the management of these institutes in achieving their mandates towards actualizing the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan.