The Minister of State for Science and Technology, Barrister Mohammed Abdullahi, has stressed the need to develop indigenous and local technology to effectively tackle the Covid-19 pandemic.
Barrister Abdullahi, stated this in his opening speech at the Zoom Webinar of the National Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Summit 2020 on Tuesday in Abuja.
A statement by the Ministry said Barrister Mohammed explained that Nigeria could not achieve much if it relied on other countries for her needs.
He therefore, challenged Nigerian scientists, engineers, technicians to rise to the challenge by developing appropriate and useful technologies to stem health challenges ravaging Nigeria and other countries.
Barrister Abdullahi also urged Nigerian professionals to look into the production of vaccines, locally sourced drugs or natural alternatives in line with globally accepted standards.
The diversification agenda of the present administration, he added, is hinged on the need for all Nigerian to harness our natural resources for growth and economic sustenance.
The Minister said Nigeria and other developing nations need to accord priority to STEM in the scheme of things.
According to him, “the time to fold our hands and get dispatch of technologies from overseas may be getting over gradually”.
Africans and indeed Nigerians must be passionate with vigorous pursuit of getting it right as we harness all our intellectual and natural capabilities to develop our nations, he added.
He finally called on both formal and informal institutions to change their paradigm in educational curricula and delivery.
