Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Pantami has stressed the need for adequate priority be given to Science and Technology for national development.
He made the call at the first faculty of Science International Conference organised by the Airforce Institute of Technology-AFIT, Kaduna.
Professor Isa Ali Pantami, who made a virtual presentation, explained that for Nigeria to be at par in the comity of nations, there was the need to accord adequate attention to basic sciences which he described as the bedrock of technology.
The Minister emphasized the need for academic institutions to dwell more on the practical aspects of basic Sciences rather than theoretical aspects.
Professor Pantami added that digital economy is all about modern science and technology without which digital economy agenda cannot be achieved.
Also speaking, Governor Nasir El Rufa’i of Kaduna State said the State Government has put in place, measures to improve Science and Technology across the State.
Represented by Dr Yusuf Saleh, the Governor assured that the government would continue to invest and leverage in Science and Technology with a view to boosting the fortunes of the state.
In his welcome address, Commandant of AFIT, Air Vice Marshal Muhammad Aminu Yakubu explained that the conference was organised in commemoration of this year’s International year of basic sciences for sustainable development in collaboration with UNESCO in recognition of contributions of basic sciences to livelihood.
The Commandant expressed the hope that the application of basic sciences can lead to effective solutions that would diminish and eliminate security challenges and restore peace and security for the attainment of sustainable development of Nigeria.
The three day International Conference has as its theme: Positioning basic sciences and technology in enhancing digital economy and national security.
Usman Sani