Ministry of Science and Technology has presented the sum of Five Million naira, to students of a College in Yangoji Abuja, for inventing a Sensebox and Aquabot device, used to monitor air and water pollution.
The presentation was made by the Minister of Science and Technology Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu in his office in Abuja.
The Minister said that with the feat achieved by the students, Nigeria was well-positioned to become a hub for creativity.
He added that with such innovations, the country will meet all her needs, rely less on imports, and create wealth for the nation.
On intellectual property protection, he added that the Ministry will patent the key innovation through one of its agencies; The National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) saying that the patenting will come at no cost to the school.
Dr. Onu appealed to parents to motivate their children, to ensure they inculcate the values of hard work, respect, and commitment which is the foundation of every child.
He called on the students, to fly the Nigerian flag high at the upcoming virtual Students for Advancement of Global Entrepreneurship (SAGE) competition this month.
Earlier the President/CEO of the research team for Aquabot, MabochaSharon who is an SS3 student said they are seeking the support of the Ministry to patent their innovation.
She also added that they need financial support to help develop their innovation, build a science laboratory that could benefit other students.
RN