STI Ministry, AUST To Hold 1st National Conference October 2025

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The native organising committee of the 1st National Conference on Science, Technology and Innovation Communication (STICOMMSLOC) in collaboration with the African University of Science and Technology (AUST) has introduced that the maiden version of the convention will maintain in Abuja from October 21 to 23, 2025 on the AUST campus.

The convention will deal with the theme “Communicating Science, Technology and Innovation for National Development.”

Chairman of the committee, Dr. Bosco Okolo-Obi disclosed this throughout a pre-conference press briefing at AUST in Abuja. He defined that the gathering is designed to convey collectively essential stakeholders to advertise analysis, insurance policies and practices that may rework Nigeria’s science, know-how and innovation (STI) panorama.

According to him, Nigeria’s ambition of constructing a information economic system will stay unrealised except analysis outcomes are successfully translated into insurance policies, merchandise and public consciousness. The upcoming convention, he pressured, seeks to bridge this hole.

“For the first time, we are bringing together researchers, industry leaders, policymakers, the media, educators and the public on a single platform to chart a new course,” Okolo-Obi mentioned. “Our focus will be on breaking barriers of technical language, strengthening partnerships, training a new generation of science communicators and advocating for policies that institutionalise science communication in Nigeria.”

He added that the initiative is aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda, which emphasises innovation-driven progress, financial diversification, human capital growth and inclusive governance. By fostering stronger hyperlinks between analysis and sensible software, Okolo-Obi mentioned the convention would contribute on to constructing a Nigeria the place information is transformed into wealth and innovation generates alternatives for residents.

Acknowledging the position of the media, he urged journalists to take possession of the method, stressing that the occasion will grow to be an annual platform to strengthen science communication and maintain nationwide growth.

In his remarks, president of the African University of Science and Technology, Prof. Peter Onwualu highlighted the college’s contributions to innovation in Africa. He revealed that the establishment has secured 10 patents within the final 12 months, which at the moment are awaiting commercialisation.

He defined that AUST was established in 2007 to supply extremely expert manpower for Africa and to handle the continent’s urgent challenges. According to him, analysis and innovation on the establishment are centered on fixing actual issues in well being, agriculture, transportation, power and safety.

“Over the years, the university has done a lot in producing high-level manpower for Africa using Africa as the focus,” Onwualu mentioned. “All our research is directed at solving Africa’s infrastructure challenges in health, agriculture, transportation, energy and other sectors. We have recently deepened our innovation ecosystem with the establishment of a university-based hub where we work on commercialising our outputs. In the past year alone, we have registered about 10 patents and we are currently working to move those patents from paper to market.”

Also talking, a member of the native organising committee and director of data, new media and protocol on the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Segun Ayeoyenikan described the forthcoming convention as a big milestone. He expressed concern that Nigeria has not but developed a tradition that absolutely embraces science, know-how and innovation.

According to him, nations which have superior in know-how have been in a position to instill a patriotic tradition round science communication and innovation, guaranteeing that the pursuits of the nation are prioritised. He referred to as on residents and establishments to drive Nigeria’s innovation agenda by selling and supporting research-based initiatives.

“This is a milestone in building consciousness to be patriotic,” Ayeoyenikan mentioned. “What we lack is a culture for science and technology. In other countries, science communicators play an active role in ensuring that when researchers want to put something before the public, they have the support to do so in ways the public can understand and adopt. We must not let this initiative die. Stakeholders must push it forward.”

The organisers underscored that STICOMMS is not going to be a one-off occasion however will function a basis for annual conferences that construct momentum for institutionalising science communication in Nigeria. The October assembly will characteristic keynote speeches, panel discussions, coaching workshops and exhibitions showcasing improvements from academia, trade and younger entrepreneurs.

The convention is predicted to draw a broad spectrum of members, together with policymakers, researchers, communicators, college students and innovators, all of whom will contribute to shaping a nationwide agenda that leverages science, know-how and innovation for growth.

As the date approaches, organisers are working with growth companions, civil society organisations {and professional} associations to make sure broad participation and robust outcomes.

Stakeholders agree that for Nigeria to thrive within the twenty first century economic system, it should embrace science communication not solely as knowledgeable self-discipline however as a nationwide tradition that connects laboratories to policymakers, lecture rooms to communities and concepts to industries.