Ministry Develops  Policy On Nanotechnology …Set For FEC’s Consideration, Approval 

The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji,  has said the Ministry has developed a national policy on nanotechnology soon to be presented to the Federal Executive Council for consideration and approval.
Uche said this recently at the 2023 World Science Day for Peace and Development with the theme, “Building trust in science’’,  in Abuja.
Represented by his Technical Adviser on Strategy and Programmes,  Prof Matthew Ike-Muonso, Nnaji expressed optimism that the technology would accelerate national nanotechnology development for economic diversification.
According to him, the contemporary society acknowledged the pivotal role science and technology played in progress and development, hence Nigeria must prioritise science and technology as the bedrock for socio-economic development.
The Minister said the theme of the event underscored the indispensable need to foster trust in scientific endeavours as the base upon which the edifice of scientific progress stood.
“It is essential to underline the imperative of trust in scientific methodologies, research outcomes and their utilization, as scientific and societal impact rely heavily on the trust it garners”, he said.
He said achieving sustainable progress and societal advancement depended on trust in the scientific processes by ensuring transparency, credibility and ethical practices in every scientific pursuit.
Nnaji recalled that in efforts to build trust in Nigeria’s scientific pursuits, and nurture a culture of encouraging young pupils towards excellent scientific pursuits, the 774 Young Nigerian Scientists Presidential Award was set up.
He also enumerated various works and achievements of the ministry, its agencies and parastatals which included formulation of numerous national policies and programmes.
Earlier, Mr James Sule, Permanent Secretary of the ministry, noted that the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), proclaimed the World Science Day for peace and development.
He disclosed that UNESCO mandated the day to be celebrated yearly on every November 10.