Onu’s audio on research 1Onu’s audio on patent 2Audio Attached
NAN-H-59
Research
By Donald Ugwu
Abuja, Oct. 4, 2016 (NAN) The Federal Ministry of Science and Technology says it has mandated research institutes under its supervision to commercialise their findings for wealth and job creation.
Its Minister, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, made this known to State House correspondents in Abuja on Tuesday after the second meeting of the National Research and Innovation Council since its inauguration at the office of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
- Cue in audio 1 (Onu on research)
“We have mandated all the research institutes under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology to pursue commercialisation of research findings vigorously.
“Because we know that if research findings are not commercialised, they will not be of direct benefit to our people.
“And we want to make sure that we make very important contributions in the area of job creation, wealth creation and poverty reduction.
“And You can only do so if research findings are commercialised and we’ll make progress.’’
- Cue out audio 1
Onu recalled the progress the ministry had made on its partnership with Nasco Foods, an indigenous company, regarding its high density nutrient biscuits.
According to him, the ministry is presently discussing with other companies that will soon commercialise a number of its research findings.
He added that the institutes had already been directed to obtain patents for the research findings to secure the intellectual property.
- Cue in audio 2 (Onu on patent)
“We have mandated our research institutes to get a patent to protect any research finding that has been taken to a level of commercialisation.
“Because no investor can come in and invest unless there is security.
“It is that patent, which protects the intellectual property that will give security to investors.’’
- Cue out audio 2
On the nation’s collaboration with India on science and technology, the minister said: “India is a nuclear power; India is a space power; India has a lot of capabilities in so many areas of technology.
“Cooperating with India – that is Nigeria and India working together in the area of science and technology – can be very helpful.
“Today, food security is of tremendous importance to our nation; India has done so well in being able to feed its citizens.
“So cooperation between Nigeria and India in the area of technology will be very useful, both in food security and other areas.’’
Onu noted that since the National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy was initiated in 1986, the main organ to drive it never held its first meeting until during the Presidency of Muhammadu Buhari.
He said that the organ, the National Research and Innovation Council, met for the first time on Jan. 7, 2016.
“So, this is the second meeting; the chairmanship of the meeting is the vice president; and we looked at how we can advance science and technology in the country,’’ he added.(NAN)
DCU/YEE
Edited/Controlled by Emmanuel Yashim
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