The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology Mrs. Esuabana Nko Asanye, has said that Nigeria should embrace the emerging technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence, Internet of things, Genom editing and Robotics to enable it to compete favorably with their foreign counterparts.
The Permanent Secretary disclosed this when she paid a familiarization visit to Sheda Science and Technology Complex (SHESTCO) yesterday, 10th April 2025 in Abuja. Esuabana stated that STEM Education should be introduced right from primary to tertiary level, as well as Genome Editing as that will make our youths to be more rooted in Science and Technology which will bring about socio-economic development of the country.
She further said that the introduction of STEM education from Primary to tertiary will enhance the knowledge of Nigerians in Science and Technology and will reduce the influx of expertise into the country which will boost our foreign reserves at the long run.
The Permanent Secretary charged the Ministry and the Agencies to create awareness and advocacy that will enhance technological breakthrough and development in the country.
Esuabana stated that Genome editing should be institutionalized in Nigeria and handled by our indigenous scientists rather than foreigners. She tasked the Directors of the Agency in-charge of Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics to continue to search for more knowledge and researches that will benefit the nation.
The Permanent Secretary commended, Directors of the Ministry and the Agencies for proffering STEM education which will upgrade the knowledge of the people greatly.
Earlier, the Director-General of Sheda Science and Technology Complex, Professor Paul Onyenekwe in his welcome address, expressed his gladness at the visit of the Permanent Secretary. He said that the Agency was established in 1993 by the federal government as a Multidisciplinary Research and Development Centre. Part of Its mandate is developing facilities for effective practice of applications-oriented science and technology in Nigeria.
Prof. Onyenekwe also added that one of the mandates of the Agency is to carry out structured manpower training to meet the growing needs of Nigerians in the areas of high technology.
He assured that the Agency is doing its best and will continue to do its best to actualize its mandate and move Nigerian technology forward.
Pauline Sule (Mrs.)
AD (Press & PR)