“Technological knowledge is central to national development” – Dr. Onu

“Technological knowledge is central to national development” – Dr. Onu

By Alphonsus N. Ogili

The Minister of Science and Technology, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, on October 6, 2016 in University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) urged Nigerians to embrace science, technology and innovation, stressing that technological knowledge is central to national development.

Dr. Onu remarked this while delivering the lead paper at the 56^th Founder’ Day of the University of Nigeria Nsukka, at the Princess Alexandra Auditorium, UNN.

The Minister noted that no nation, both big and small in population has been able to achieve sustainable progress without embracing science and technology.

“No nation has ever become truly great without science, technology and innovation. Indeed, developed nations are those that embrace science, technology and innovation, while others that do not remained undeveloped,” he said.

He further reiterated: “Nations, both big and small, know that knowledge, particularly technological knowledge, is central to development, social progress and human freedom.”

He noted that such nations invested heavily in the pursuit of knowledge, especially scientific and technological knowledge, adding that the problems that confront nations are usually numerous. However, he remarked that with hard work and determination, when such problems are subjected to the searchlight of knowledge, solutions are found.

Stressing on the wonders of science and technology, the Minister stated that developed countries like the United States of America, Japan, Singapore, South Korea and China among others, were able to achieve such heights because their political leaders and scholars understood the incredible power of science, technology and innovation in the nation building.

Dr.Onu lamented on the poor attitude of Nigerians towards science, technology and innovation, pledging that his administration would work hard to rapidly improve the technological readiness and level of innovation in the country.

“I know that the journey ahead is filled with a lot of challenges but I am confident that the work can and will be done. Nigeria cannot continue to be a mono-product economy where our export consists of essentially unprocessed commodities in the international market.

“It also makes us almost completely dependent on imports to meet our national needs. This has made our dear nation essentially a consumer nation that produces very little but depends on imports for majority of our needs. This has many adverse effects as it creates very serious unemployment problems, aggravate poverty and puts very serious pressure on our currency,” he lamented.

According to him, “this situation calls for a very serious work; it calls for us as a nation to start doing what is right. We have to carefully look at the road we have travelled so far and find out if it is the right rout.”