Don Proffers Solution For Science/Tech Dev In Post 2015

A University Don, Profes
    sor Peter A. Okebukola has proffered solution to Nigeria’s development in science and technology in the post 2015 era.
Professor Okebukola, who gave the solutions in a pre-27th convocation lecture of the Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST) last Thursday, stated that in order for Nigeria not to be a passive participant in development during the course of the 21st century, the country should take fuller advantage of science and technology.
This, he said, the country can do by first increasing investment in science and technology to move closer to 10% of Gross Domestic Product(GDP) through a progressive 0.5% annual increase from 2016.
Second, there should be development of a critical mass of top rate scientists of about 0.01% of the population to be in six centres of excellence with geopolitical spread across the country.
There is also the need for stronger engagement of the private sector in science and technology research with 0.01% tax rebate to the private organisation on all projects implemented in collaboration with a Nigerian university.
Nigeria will also need to improve in the delivery of science education at the basic education level through provision of infrastructure and better trained teachers, and fuller development of the iron and steel industry.
Establishment of science schools as nursery for future scientists, with at least one in each Local Government Area (LGA) beginning from 2016, he said, is another condition.
Others are re-introduction of the higher school certificate to get candidate better prepared for the university and encouraging ground-breaking applied research in science and technology with incentives for researchers and their institution.
It also include greater use of computer technology in the development of devices rather than dependence in manual devices, as well as capacity building of scientists in contemporary methods of scientific research through overseas training preferably in Nobel Prize – wining laboratories.
There is also increased incentives for enrolment in agriculture and science and technology courses, especially enriched package of scholarships, while also providing basic infrastructure such as power, especially through research laboratories.
An essential aspect, he continued, is partnership with developed countries in science and technology for knowledge and skill sharing.