UNESCO has urged stakeholders to make sure the implementation and efficient use of the National Research and Innovation Fund (NRIF).
The UN company made the attraction at a 3-day session workshop on the operationalisation of Nigeria’s NRIF.
The NRIF could be operational below the venture: ‘’Strengthening UK-West Africa Science Technology and Innovation Partnerships for Sustainable Development’’, also called Sankore Project.
Sankore, named after a historic place of studying in West Africa, is a brand new accountable grant mechanism supported by UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
It is delivered in two work streams to strengthen Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) programs in Nigeria and Ghana.
The two work streams are being carried out by UNESCO and Result For Development (R4D).
Dr Enang Moma, National Professional Officer, Natural Science Sector, UNESCO, Abuja, mentioned the venture focused to drive transformative change in Nigeria and Ghana by strengthening STI ecosystem.
“The programme will enhance data accessibility, foster open science and advance the commercialisation of research, thereby empowering communities to leverage innovation for sustainable development and societal progress,” he mentioned.
The STI businesses for the implementation of the venture, she mentioned, included Sheda Science and Technology Complex (SHESTCO), National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion, National Biotechnology Development Agency and others.
Ms Kornelia Tzinova, Head, Natural Science Sector, UNESCO Regional Office, Dakar, mentioned the success of the venture was depending on sustained political assist and powerful management from the businesses concerned.
“It can be essential to anchor this venture inside nationwide growth frameworks to make sure its success and maximize advantages for the folks of Nigeria,’’ she mentioned.
She mentioned that Ghana was already succeeding with the operationalisation of Ghana National Research Fund, including that the Sankore venture introduced a worthwhile alternative for collaboration, peer studying and expertise sharing between the international locations.
“UNESCO stands able to facilitate these exchanges of finest practices, which we consider will strengthen outcomes and contribute to a extra coherent and linked innovation panorama inside and throughout West Africa,’’ she mentioned.
Dr Kingsley Udeh, Minister of STI, expressed optimism on the passage of the NRIF invoice within the nearest future to facilitate progressive reforms within the nation.
Represented by Mr Philip Ebiogeh, Permanent Secretary within the ministry, Udeh mentioned that forward of the assent to the invoice, preparations ought to be on prime gear for its sustainability.
“Working in silos should give solution to collaboration, prime universities and analysis establishments ought to put together for a brand new period of analysis funding pushed by efficiency, relevance, collaboration and measurable nationwide impacts.
“The NRIF will reward excellence and problem-solving analysis, open new alternatives for analysis partnerships, expertise adaptation and funding in our startups,’’ he mentioned.
Prof. Abubakar Sambo. President Nigerian Academy of Science (NAS) mentioned the poor funding was limiting the nation’s potential to provide top quality analysis, appeal to and retain scientific expertise, adapt world applied sciences, amongst different interventions.
“To make NRIF efficient we should be sure that it’s not only a funding pool however a part of a broader innovation ecosystem from a number of sources like authorities price range allocations, non-public sector contributions, philanthropic foundations,’’ he canvassed. (NAN) www.nanews.ng
Edited by Uche Anunne