The Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology has awarded ₦47 million in grants to 36 exceptional inventors and innovators under the 2023 Presidential Standing Committee on Inventions and Innovations (PSCII).
This initiative, part of Nigeria’s broader push towards a knowledge-based economy, emphasizes the importance of technological innovation in national development.
In a landmark event held in Abuja, the Minister, Chief Uche Nnaji, who presided over the ceremony, highlighted the critical role of Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) in driving economic growth.
“The ability of Nigeria to compete and prosper depends more on the deployment of technological capacities and innovations than on the exploitation of natural resources,” he stated.
He further emphasized that the PSCII, since its inception in 2005, has supported over 600 innovators across the six geopolitical zones, underscoring the government’s commitment to nurturing creativity in the informal sector.
Dr. Patricia Uche Chukwu, Director-General of the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI), expressed her joy at witnessing the tangible impact of the PSCII program.
“Inventions and innovations lead to technological progress, which is essential for the efficient production of goods and services, translating to economic growth,” she remarked.
Her sentiments were echoed by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Esuabana Nko Asanye, who urged the beneficiaries to judiciously use their grants to further their inventions and contribute to Nigeria’s industrialization.
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