NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Science & Tech

UNESCO, UK, others provide £1.9m grant to boost tech, innovation

297 total views today

By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

UNESCO in collaboration with its partners have inaugurated the Sankore project in West Africa, to boost economic diversification and development.

The programme, was inaugurated on Thursday in Abuja in partnership with Results for Development (R4D), and the UK International Development.

The programme comes under the Strengthening UK-West Africa Science, Technology and Innovation Partnerships for Sustainable Development initiative.

Sankore is a new grant delivery mechanism of up to £1.9 million supported by the Foreign Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO).

Chief Uche Nnaji, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI), said the Sankore project resonated with President Bola Tinubu’s eight-point agenda on economic growth.

“The Sankore project promises enhanced economic growth in improving public service delivery and raise strong partners across our region.

“Importantly, it seeks to address and establish through both frameworks to ensure coordinated project delivery and results monitoring of outcomes and impacts,” he said.

He said that a steering committee would be set up and saddled with the responsibility of providing strategic direction and ensuring accountability.

Ms Susan Mshana, Deputy Director and Head, Integrated Strategy and Delivery Unit, British High Commission, said that they were aligning with the national mandate of both Ghana and Nigeria.

“The programme compliments other UK funding interventions and programmes like Manufacturing Africa, Global Innovation Fund, British International Investment and many others.

“Specifically, Sankore will be supportive in operationalising the Ghana National Research Fund, the Nigerian National Research Fund, facilitating the commercialisation of innovation solutions in priority economic sectors such as agriculture and energy.

“It will enhance the innovation and technology policy and regulatory environment, including improving data accessibility and transparency in policy implementation to grow productivity of innovation ecosystem,” she said.

Dr Ibrahim Murtala, Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, Ghana, said poor investment in Research and Development (R&D) had led to stunted development on the continent.

“The average investment for R&D stood at about 0.42 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Africa and 0.3 per cent of GDP in Ghana after more than four decades of the Lagos Declaration.

“The declaration enjoined African countries to invest at least one per cent of GDP in Research and Development (R&D).

“Patents filings for the whole of Africa is less than one per cent and publications in emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Biotechnology remain low in comparison with global publications.

“Sankore will be a catalyst to securing Ghana’s future as a hub for scientific advancement and technological innovation in the region,” he said.

He also said that with commitment countries in Africa could surmount the numerous challenges bedeviling the continent.

Ms Kornelia Tzinova, Head, Natural Sciences Sector, UNESCO Regional Office for West Africa, Dakar, Senegal, said the project would last till March 2026.

“We will be ensuring that we strengthen the National Science Technology and Innovation systems in both Ghana and Nigeria.

“The two countries have been chosen also to strengthen the UK, Nigeria and Ghana bilateral strategies in science, technology and innovation,” she said.

Earlier, Mr Edmond Moukala, Head of UNESCO Office, Ghana, said the project would assist Ghana and Nigeria to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

He recalled that UNESCO had been designated as the lead agency for the International Decade of Science for Sustainable Development 2024 to 2033.

“The decade represents a unique opportunity for science to serve humanity and to protect our planet.

“It is also an opportunity to force societies to solve the most pressing challenges in West Africa. The Sankore project, therefore, presenst a platform that will foster the ideas of the decade.

The Sankore project was expected to support Nigeria and Ghana in navigating ways to address critical national challenges related to economic diversification, job creation, climate resilience, among others using STI initiatives.

The project is being implemented by UNESCO and R4D, in collaboration with Ghana’s Ministry of Environment, Science, and Technology (MEST), Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology (FMIST) and relevant stakeholders. (NAN)

Edited by Uche Anunne

Entertainment

Copyright law crucial in protecting creative works – NCC D-G

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By Priscilla Osaje

Dr John Asein, the Director-General, Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), says copyright law plays a crucial role in protecting the creative works of authors, artists, and innovators in this current digital era.

Asein said this on Wednesday when the commission sensitised the students of Lead British International School, Abuja, to the infringement of copyright law and its consequences, in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the copyright awareness and sensitisation programme organised by the NCC focused on educating the students on basics of copyright law, its importance as well as its impacts on individual daily lives.

Asein, in his remarks, said that the NCC’s mandate was to promote copyright awareness and education in Nigeria.

According to him, copyright law plays a crucial role in protecting the creative works of authors, artists, and innovators in today’s digital age.

“Students are not only consumers of copyright materials, but also potential creators and innovators.

“It is therefore necessary that you understand your rights and responsibilities under the copyright law.

“This programme is aimed to educate you on the basics of copyright law, its importance, and how it impacts your daily lives,” he said.

The director-general commended the management of Lead British International School for allowing its students to be sensitised.

“We believe that education and awareness are key to promoting a culture of respect for intellectual property rights

“Let us work together to promote a culture of creativity, innovation, and respect for intellectual property rights,” he emphasised.

Also speaking, Mrs Funmilayo Adewale, Director, Nigerian Copyright Academic (NCA), said the  programme aimed at  sensitising  and creating  awareness  for youth about copyright laws.

Adewale said students need to know their rights as well as their responsibilities in this digital age, because things are done differently now.

According to her, in this current digital era, the youths particularly students need to know that they cannot go online and use people’s work anyhow; they have to be responsible in the way they use people’s work.

“They need to know some essential basic things as young creators as regards to their rights and expectations.

“You heard them (students), saying that they are taking certain things for granted, things that are against the law. But coming to this place, we are able to sensitise them during this programme,” she said.

The director therefore urged the students to respect people’s creative works as well as authors’ rights.

“You should be careful, responsible and acknowledge people’s work when used. Using people’s works for research purposes is not a bad idea, but those people need to be acknowledged because they are the owners of the work,” she said.

Mr Abraham Ogunkanmbi, Head of School, Lead British International School, commended NCC for organising the programme that exposed the young creative minds to copyright laws.

Ogunkanmbi, who was represented by Mrs Eugenia Essell, Deputy Head of School,  Early Year and Primary, said that the sensitisation programme helped the students to know how to protect their intellectual properties.

“Even we, the adults, have learnt that there is a time limit to intellectual property rights.

“It has come to our knowledge that using works by other people without their approval attract a penalty. So, it is proper   to recognise the people’s works in order not to be charged with plagiarism,” he said.

He appealed to the management of NCC to continue to convey the information to the young ones by going to schools and universities where projects are written.

“You see people writing things without mentioning where they got the information from,’’ he said.

On her part, Miss Khadija Bello, a student, described the programme as a great privilege for students to be enlightened on the copyright laws to avoid violation.

“Knowing how to protect my own creative work from being pirated is a good one to me personally.

“This experience has served as a form of encouragement to me, because it has taught me on how to be creative and express my ideas without fear,” she said.(NAN) 

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

Economy/Business

TEXEM offers digital innovation, intrapreneurship training for leaders

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These Executives Minds (TEXEM) is organizing a training programme for leaders on driving innovations and intrapreneirship to succeed in a digital age.

 

The programme scheduled for May 19 to May 22, is expected to bring together leaders concerned with evolving digital trends and remaining competitive and relevant.

 

 

“The forthcoming “Digital Innovation: Stimulating A Culture Of Intrapreneurship In A Digital Age” programme, taking place from 19th to 22nd May 2025 in Abu Dhabi, offers a transformative solution for leaders across all types of organisations.

 

“(It will) small local businesses, large indigenous conglomerates, government agencies, or NGOs. By focusing on strategic capabilities rather than mere functional expertise, this TEXEM programme equips participants with the tools to redefine their organisational futures and avoid the stagnation that comes with clinging to outdated practices.”

 

The programme will tackle three major challenges that undermine the progress of many organisations in Nigeria.

 

These are an overreliance on reactive approaches, where companies wait for market shifts to become critical before adapting; absence of structured intrapreneurship and the struggle to align digital initiatives with broader organisational goals.

 

By attending this training, leaders will learn to proactively identify and seize new opportunities, building a reservoir of strategic options rather than scrambling for last-minute solutions.

 

Secondly, it will establish systems and mindsets that nurture creativity and innovation at every level of the enterprise as well as offer approaches to synchronise digital investments with strategic objectives and ensuring maximum return on effort and resources.

 

Past delegates have shared their experiences from previous programmes. Anne Omezi, Director of ICT at NMDPRA, described it as “an enriching and transformative experience”, adding that she gained valuable insights and skills she is eager to apply.

 

Similarly, Niyi Toluwalope, CEO of eTranzact Group, praised the programme for its engaging nature and profound insights, stating, “It brought together world-class professors, visionary founders, trailblazing innovators, and creative experts with unmatched expertise and rich experiences.”

 

The cost of the programme is £5,500, discounted to £4,750, with a further reduction to £4,300 for those who complete payment on or before May 10.

 

This fee covers study materials and certification, offering lasting value that extends well beyond the four days in Abu Dhabi.

 

The faculty, which includes Dr T. B. (Mac) McClelland, Jr. on May 20, Prof. Rodria Laline on May 21, and Prof. John Peters on May 22, comprises thought leaders who have guided global organisations to success.

 

“Through interactive approaches such as case studies, peer-to-peer discussions, role play, and group work, participants will gain actionable insights to empower their teams, foster innovation, and embed a culture of continuous improvement.

 

Their collective insights, coupled with a methodology that includes games, case studies, and peer-to-peer learning, promise an immersive experience that teaches the “how” of strategic innovation, not just the “what.”

(Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz)

Environment

Nnaji leads Climate-Smart Innovation drive at Commonwealth forum

367 total views today

By Emmanuel Jonathan

Chief Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, says Nigeria is at the forefront of climate resilience and food security innovation.

Nnaji communicated this while addressing the Commonwealth Roundtable on Climate Finance and Food Security at Marlborough House, London, UK.

Dr Robert Ngwu, Special Adviser to minister, in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja, said Nnaji outlined a comprehensive national strategy at the event.

Nnaji highlighted Nigeria’s bold initiatives to integrate innovation, climate finance and sustainable agriculture in response to climate change, land degradation and food insecurity.

The minister called for a global commitment to integrating some inherent challenges.

“We cannot afford to let climate inaction dictate our food security, science, technology and sustainable finance in tackling this future.”

Nnaji said that under the Nigeria Living Lands Initiative (NLLI), Nigeria was implementing cutting-edge solutions designed to mitigate environmental degradation while boosting agricultural productivity.

The minister listed some of the initiatives to include: “Integrated Climate-Smart Agriculture and Land Restoration which aimed at restoring 50,000 hectares of degraded land across Nigeria while generating 2,000 dollars to 3,000 dollars per hectare in farmer income.

“Climate-Smart Greenhouses that establish a controlled environment farming to enable year-round crop production and ensure food stability despite changing weather conditions.

“Bamboo Value Chain Development to promote eco-friendly construction, carbon sequestration and sustainable livelihoods through bamboo cultivation.

“Methanol Fuel Production and Clean Cooking Initiative adoption to replace biomass and fossil fuel dependency by Expanding Low Pressure Compressed Natural Gas (LPCNG) which affects 90 per cent of Nigerian households.”

The minister also listed the Integrated Biodigester Network that transformed organic waste into biogas and fertilisers, reducing greenhouse emissions by 300,000 tonnes annually.

He said that the Integrated Biodigester Network also provided clean energy to no fewer than 10,000 households. (NAN)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

Economy/Business

Economic competitiveness: FG strengthening access to finance, digital innovation – Minister

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By Lucy Ogalue

The Federal Government is intensifying efforts to enhance industrial expansion, ease access to funding and drive digital innovation to boost Nigeria’s economic competitiveness.

The Minister of State for Industry, Trade, and Investment, Sen. John Enoh, said during the 2025 Renewed Hope Global Virtual Conference on Sunday.

Enoh highlighted ongoing efforts to improve export processing zones, enhance loan accessibility, and establish an industrial revolution task force.

Addressing concerns about challenges faced by small businesses in securing loans, the minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to easing financial access through the Bank of Industry (BOI).

“The BOI is one of our best-performing institutions, but I recognise the difficulties many small businesses face in meeting loan requirements, especially when dealing with commercial banks,” he said.

Enoh revealed ongoing discussions with the BOI to streamline loan access processes.

He also revealed an impending partnership with First City Monument Bank (FCMB) to facilitate loan disbursement to micro and small enterprises across the country.

“In the coming weeks, we hope to announce a partnership that will enable thousands of small business owners to access funding more easily,” he added.

The minister acknowledged that while some targets in oil and gas processing zones had not been fully met, the government remained committed to ensuring these zones contributed significantly to Nigeria’s economic growth.

“Even though the goals may not have been met as initially intended, the focus of this administration is to ensure our export processing zones work efficiently and deliver value to the Nigerian people,” he said.

He announced the creation of an Industrial Revolution Work Group, comprising key industry stakeholders, government agencies, and private sector representatives, to drive industrial transformation.

“This workgroup is designed to function as a task force, bringing together agencies such as Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA).

“Nigeria Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME), the Ministry of Power, Finance, and Customs to address industrial challenges collectively,” he said.

He noted that the initiative was currently being fine-tuned, stressing that it would significantly advance Nigeria’s industrial sector, once fully operational.

The minister also highlighted the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) initiative, domiciled in the BOI, as part of efforts to support Nigeria’s youth-driven digital and creative economy.

“iDICE is a 700 million dollar initiative backed by partners such as Afreximbank, the Islamic Development Bank, and a French financial institution.

“Its goal is to empower young innovators and creatives, ensuring they have access to funding and support for business expansion.”

He restated the federal government’s commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship to position Nigeria as a global leader in the digital economy. (NAN)

Edited by Oluwafunke Ishola

Environment

Only innovation, partnership can save the climate – Expert

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By Uche Anunne

An environmentalist, Chief Sam Onuigbo, says only partnership among countries and innovation into cleaner energies can save the climate from further devastating damage.

Onuigbo, former member of House of Representatives, said this on Monday in Abuja during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

The All Progressives Congress Chieftain represented Ikwuano/Umuahia North and South Federal Constituency and former chairman, House Committee on Climate Change.

“To save the environment and mitigate climate change, we have to collaborate, network and innovate. There is nothing any country can do alone.

“We must innovate and collaborate because anything that has to do with the environment is borderless,’’  Onuigbo said.

Onuigbo  sponsored Nigeria’s Climate Change Act.

Climate change has been largely blamed for some of natural disasters including flooding, desertification, drought, and the recent wild fire that ravaged parts of California, U.S.

He said the recently concluded World Future Energy Summit and 15th International Renewable Energy (IRENA) Assembly in Abu Dhabi, offered Africa can explore new areas of global partnership in renewable energy.

He said as the continent that bears the larger brunt of climate change, they also offered the continent the chance to deepen existing clean energy networks and investment opportunities.

Onuigbo said President Bola Tinubu had shown the desire for transition to clean energy such as his commitment to the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) project and liberalisation of the energy sector by signing the Electricity Act.

In June 2023, Tinubu, signed the Electricity Act 2023 (“The Act”), repealing the Electric Power Sector Reform Act, 2005.

The Act empowers state governments to participate in areas previously reserved for the federal government, particularly transmission and distribution.

“The Summit offered  Mr President the opportunity to speak to the world on investment opportunities in areas as CNG and electric vehicles, the Evergreen City. There are profound declarations,’’ he told NAN.

According to the National Assembly Most Valuable Parliamentarian Hall of Fame, 2019-2023, Tinubu’s clean energy initiatives are yielding results as international investors are  showing interest in Nigeria’s lithium deposits to boost battery manufacturing.

He said there was a link among poverty, food security, diseases and climate change, saying mitigating the later would help in addressing the former.

For instance, he said, access to clean electricity would enhance economic activities and their attendant multiplier effects in families` income and wellbeing.

“You cannot talk about them in isolation. When there is desertification, drought—climate change impact has implications for sources of livelihood and this engenders poverty and insecurity’’, Onuigbo told NAN.

Onuigbo is a member representing South-East, Governing Board, and Chairman Committee  on Security, Climate Change and Special Interventions, North-East Development Commission(NEDC). (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

General News

TEXEM organises programme on innovation for organisations 

255 total views today

By Hafsah Tilde

Abuja, Jan. 13, 2025(NAN) In today’s volatile world, where change is constant and uncertainty abounds, innovation and agility are indispensable for organisational survival.

Caroline Lucas, Director Special Projects, TEXEM Insights disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja.

She said TEXEM programme, Resilience in a Volatile World: Inspiring Transformation Successfully, was uniquely designed to help leaders integrate innovation into their leadership toolkit, enabling them to navigate complexity and foster organisational agility.

Lucas said the three-week programme, scheduled from Feb. 8 to 22, would be an immersive blend of virtual and live learning.

The programme provides leaders with an actionable roadmap to design resilient organisations capable of adapting to change while maintaining a competitive edge.

It begins with self-paced learning activities, where participants engage with videos, case studies, and reflection exercises on TEXEM’s interactive learning platform.

Points earned through these activities are displayed on a leaderboard, encouraging friendly competition and deeper engagement.

Weekly live sessions complement these activities, offering participants the opportunity to collaborate with globally recognised faculty, such as Ambassador Charles Crawford, Bradley Jones, and Dr. TB McClelland Jr.

Innovation takes centre stage in this programme. Leaders are challenged to rethink traditional business models and explore new ways of solving complex problems.

The live sessions provide actionable strategies for integrating innovation into daily leadership practices.

For instance, Ambassador Crawford’s expertise in communication helps leaders articulate a clear vision for change, fostering alignment and engagement across their teams.

His insights into influencing stakeholders empower participants to garner support for innovative initiatives, even in environments where resistance to change may be high.

Bradley Jones adds strategic depth to the programme by introducing decision-making frameworks that emphasise adaptability.

Participants learn how to assess risks and opportunities, enabling them to make informed decisions in uncertain contexts.

For example, Jones highlights how scenario planning can help organisations anticipate market shifts and adjust their strategies accordingly.

By equipping participants with these tools, the programme ensures leaders can navigate volatility with confidence.

Dr TB McClelland Jr. focuses on the cultural dimensions of innovation.

His sessions explore how leaders can create environments that encourage experimentation and risk-taking.

Participants examine real-world examples of organisations that have successfully embedded innovation into their cultures, identifying lessons that can be applied to their own contexts.

For instance, McClelland emphasises the importance of psychological safety in fostering creativity, showing leaders how to build trust and encourage diverse perspectives.

A hallmark of the TEXEM programme is its emphasis on actionable learning.

Participants engage in scenario-based exercises that simulate real-world challenges, such as managing high operational costs or navigating regulatory uncertainty.

These exercises encourage participants to apply the principles of innovation and agility to design effective solutions.

For instance, leaders might be tasked with developing a strategy to reduce costs without compromising product quality, using tools introduced during the programme.

The focus on agility is particularly timely in today’s fast-paced business environment.

Leaders are encouraged to adopt iterative approaches to strategy development, enabling them to respond swiftly to changing conditions.

By learning to pivot effectively, participants gain the confidence to make bold decisions that drive growth and resilience.

Stakeholder engagement is another critical theme of the programme.

Leaders gain tools to build coalitions and inspire their teams, ensuring that innovative strategies are supported at all levels of the organisation.

Ambassador Crawford’s sessions provide practical frameworks for influencing stakeholders, helping participants align diverse interests around a shared vision.

By the end of the programme, participants leave with a comprehensive understanding of how to embed innovation and agility into their leadership practices.

They gain actionable tools to drive change, optimise operations, and achieve sustainable growth.

More importantly, they develop the confidence to lead their organisations through uncertainty, ensuring long-term success.

Testimonials from the previous delegates underscore TEXEM’s successes:

“I found TEXEM UK to be a very impactful and high powered platform. I’ve learned so much from the faculty here, and I believe that TEXEM UK is redefining the future of executive training and management. In the past few days, we’ve learned so much about resilience, about how to push our teams even in an economic downturn, and how to manage for profitability and improve performance.” – Amina Yuguga, Journalist and Group Head for Documentaries and Features for Media Trust Group

“The programme was incredibly engaging, offering profound insights from exceptional facilitators. It brought together world-class professors, visionary founders, trailblazing innovators, and creative experts with unmatched expertise and rich experiences” – Niyi Toluwalope, Chief Executive Officer of eTranzact Group.

“A key takeaway for me is that fear is our greatest enemy, and conquering it empowers us to achieve anything. I also appreciated the opportunity to network with fellow participants from home that I hadn’t met before. Learning from Cadbury’s resilience and longevity in business was particularly inspiring, as it exemplifies how organizations can thrive despite disruptions. Thank you, TEXEM, for this enriching experience.” – Ann Iyonu, Executive Director, Goodluck Jonathan Foundation.

The TEXEM programme is more than a learning experience; it is a strategic investment in leadership excellence.

By focusing on innovation and agility, participants are equipped to turn challenges into opportunities and achieve transformational results.

For leaders ready to redefine their organisations’ futures, this programme offers the tools and insights to thrive in a volatile world.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

General News

TEXEM tasks leaders on innovation

266 total views today

 

By Muhyideen Jimoh

TEXEM, one of the UK’s pre-eminent consulting firms focusing on Africa, has tasked Nigerian leaders to embrace innovation as a critical skill for navigating today’s volatile world.

This was disclosed during a training session themed, “Resilience in a Volatile World: Inspiring Transformation Successfully led by Faculty member, Amb. Charles Crawford, Bradley Jones, and Dr TB McClelland Jr.

The training was designed to equip leaders with the tools they need to foster innovation and achieve sustainable growth.

According to them, innovation lies at the heart of the programme, adding that participants explored how to integrate creative problem-solving into their leadership strategies through interactive sessions.

“They learn how to identify growth opportunities, optimise resources, and foster collaboration across their organisations.

They said that scenario-based exercises might illustrate how to navigate regulatory changes while maintaining operational efficiency, adding that testimonials from the previous delegates underscore TEXEM’s successes.

“By the end of the programme, leaders are equipped with the tools and confidence to drive transformational change.

“They leave with a clear understanding of how to foster innovation, achieve strategic goals, and build organisations that thrive in uncertain environments,” they said.

One of the participants, Amina Yuguga, Journalist and Group Head for Documentaries and Features, Media Trust Group, described TEXEM UK to be a very impactful and high powered platform.

“I’ve learned so much from the faculty here, and I believe that TEXEM UK is redefining the future of executive training and management.

“In the past few days, we’ve learned so much about resilience, about how to push our teams even in an economic downturn, and how to manage for profitability and improve performance,” she said.

Also, Niyi Toluwalope, Chief Executive Officer of eTranzact Group, said the programme was incredibly engaging, offering profound insights from exceptional facilitators.

According to him, it brought together world-class professors, visionary founders, trailblazing innovators, and creative experts with unmatched expertise and rich experiences.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

 

General News

Why media must embrace innovation- NAN MD

365 total views today

 

By Mufutau Ojo

The Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Malam Ali Muhammad Ali, has called on media owners to embrace innovation in their editorial operations.

 

Ali made the call on Tuesday in a goodwill message at a retreat organised by the management of Voice of Nigeria (VON) in Abuja.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the retreat had as theme: ” Voice of Nigeria in the 21st Century : Restrategising for Global Impact.”

 

According to Ali, the theme of the retreat is apt given the myriads of challenges facing the Nigerian media.

 

He identified the challenges to include limited resources, inadequate infrastructure, widespread disinformation as well as limited access to digital technologies and internet connectivity.

 

“These are benumbing challenges, but certainly not unsurmountable if we deploy our creative ingenuity and will power, ” he added.

 

He recalled the two retreats organised early into the life of his administration, saying they defined the direction of management’s programmes.

 

“One telling lesson from both retreats we had was the inevitability of innovation in an increasingly shrinking media space marked by convergence and Artificial Intelligence.

 

“Indeed, we dare say that the future is already here! We must hearken to the clarion call: “Innovate or die!,” he said.

 

He urged participants at the retreat to ruminate on strategies that will put VON in sturdy position for global impact.

 

Ali also called on participants to “think outside of the box, innovate without restraint and collaborate seamlessly to ensure a positive outcome.”

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Science & Tech

ASRIC urges African scientists to lay foundations for new scientific era

522 total views today

By Tolu Aiyegbusi

The Chairman of the African Scientific Research and Innovation Council (ASRIC), Prof.  Sammy Chumbow, has urged African scientists to lay foundations for a new science and technology era using innovation and research.

Chumbow made the call on Friday in his closing remarks at the 7th ASRIC Congress in Zanzibar, Tanzania.

He said the transition into a scientific era as Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA) 2024 has ended and Africa was set to adopt the policy strategy of STISA 2024.

Chumbow said, “The strategy aims to guide the continent’s STI development over the next decade.

“Therefore, African scientists should harness the power of science, technology, and innovation to drive economic growth, sustainable development, and global competitiveness.’’

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that STISA-2024 is the first of the ten-year incremental phasing strategies to respond to demands for STI in different sectors.

They include:  Agriculture, energy, environment, health and security, among others.

STISA-2034 will build on the successes of its predecessor, STISA-2024, and address emerging challenges and opportunities in Africa’s STI landscape.

STISA-2034 was validated by the African stakeholders in STI in November 2024 and will be endorsed at the AU Summit in February 2025.

The chairman stated that this development marked a significant milestone in Africa’s quest to harness the power of science which should be tapped into by African scientists.

Chumbow added that the strategy would reflect the diverse needs and aspirations of African countries, which should foster a united approach by African scientists to STI development on the continent.

He also called on the council’s Bureau to study the objectives and mandates of ASRIC guidelines so as to sharpen their focus on initiatives that produce continental and regional STI development.

Chumbow urged the bureau’s members not to lose touch with research institutions and university officials and to adopt the principles of focal point so as to make a difference in their fields.

The Executive Director, African Union Scientific and Technical Research Commission (AUSTRC) and ASRIC, Dr Ahmed Hamdy, in his closing remarks, said entering another transition period marks a major shift in innovations.

“Coming forward from where we are where the changes are so obvious, entering a period of major transition globally. We are facing several challenges spanning from climate change, emerging diseases among others.

“Let us as scientists look at each of these challenges separately to have a better understanding of how best we can tackle them using STI,’’ he said.

Hamdy said that the challenges of global change required a transition not only in society but also in the scientific community which scientists should rise up to.

“Global change poses unprecedented challenges to scientific and policy communities, a kind that cannot be tackled using existing conceptual frameworks and methods.

“They are likely to change how we live and relate with each other and scientists should rise to the occasion,’’ he said. (NAN)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

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