The National Council on Science, Technology and Innovation which is the second highest National Policymaking body on Science and Technology meets once a year to consider pending national issues that are expected to fast-track Scientific and Technological development in Nigeria. The Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology is the Chairman while state Commissioners in charge of Science and Technology in the 36 States of the Federation as well as representatives of (the FCT) Agency for Science and Technology are members.
The objectives of the Council meeting are as follows:
- To consider and review situation reports on STI activities in the country;
- To showcase groundbreaking research and technological advancements;
- To promote interdisciplinary collaborations towards addressing societal challenges;
- To establish a platform for policymakers, researchers and industry leaders to discuss the future trajectory of innovation; and
- To improve cooperation, collaboration and synergy with stakeholders.
The Council is crucial to harnessing the collective expertise of stakeholders and driving the nation’s innovation, science and technology agenda. It also serves as a nexus for fostering partnerships, addressing challenges and leveraging technology for national development.
The target audience consists of Policymakers, scientists, planners, entrepreneurs, academia, industry leaders, STI enthusiasts, and Development partners such as UNIDO, UNICEF, UNESCO, ECOWAS, UNDP, JICA, KOICA, USAID, WORLD BANK etc. Others include professional bodies such as NSE, COREN, the five (5) Academics- (Nigeria Academy of Science, Engineering, letters, Education and Social Science), Educational Institutions, organized private sector, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) etc.
It is expected that the Council meeting will among other things have the following impacts on stakeholders:
- Identification of key challenges and opportunities in the national STI landscape
- Formulation of actionable recommendations for policy enhancement
- Promotion of cross-sectional collaboration and partnership
- Dissemination of knowledge to empower stakeholders in driving STI
- The overall outcome is to implement collaboration and work processes among stakeholders