President Obasanjo Promotes Nigerian Science Foundation

[Richard Akindele]

President Olusegun Obasanjo has promised that the Federal Government will fully support the purposed Five Billion Dollar Endowment for the promotion of science and technological development in Nigeria.

Speaking after a presentation in State House on "Nigeria Embraces Science and Technology for Growth: Scenario 2020" by Jo Ritzen, Chairperson of the International Advisory Board of UNESCO, on May 23, the President said that Nigeria would explore ways of generating the required funds for the Foundation in collaboration with UNESCO and other development partners.

He directed the Science and Technology Minister, Prof. Isoun Turner and the Chief Economic Adviser, Prof Osita Ogbu to work with UNESCO and submit a draft bill on the endowment to the Federal Executive Council before the end of June.

Calling it "a good idea", President Obasanjo said in reference to the successes recorded by Pakistan and South Korea in the field of science and technology, that "we want to learn from global best practices and adapt them to our own peculiar needs in Nigeria."

The President who commended the special relationship between Nigeria and UNESCO, noted that a lot of work would have gone into the Endowment before the Presidential Retreat scheduled for August.

Mr. Ritzen who noted that science and technology would drive economic growth through local business, stressed that the President himself "should be the driver" because of its important role in national development.

He said that supporting the endowment was a unique opportunity for President Obasanjo to leave a lasting legacy.

The President of the Nigerian Academy of Science, Prof. Gabriel Ogunmola also commended President Obasanjo for agreeing to establish the endowment.

Source: Nigeria First.