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Retrieved
from Allafrica News
http://allafrica.com/stories/200203280567.html
Vanguard (Lagos)
ByChinyere Amalu & Victoria Ojeme
March 28, 2002
Posted to the web March 28, 2002
The Minister for Science and Technology, Prof. Turner T. Isoun Tuesday pleaded with Nigerian scientists in other countries to come home and contribute their quota to the development of the nation.
Prof. Isoun who made this plea at the launching of the book titled: "Capacity Building for Sustainable Industrial Development" and presentation of scientific equipment to educational institutions in Abuja, expressed hope that the launching would attract more scientists to come home and contribute their quota to the development of the nation.
"Let me assure our scientists that this government more than ever before is determined to correct the mistakes of the past," he said, pointing out to them that Nigeria is now joining the rest of the world to tap the benefits of latest technologies by approving establishment of the National Biotechnology Development Agency, National Space Research and Development Agency and National Information Technology Development Agency which has commenced operation. Prof. Isoun emphasised that the major problem facing Nigerian scientists include lack of enabling environment to practice their trade saying "our scientists who were once among the top rated scholars in all fields of endeavour became disenchanted and dissatisfied for lack of conducive environment." They have to make do with ageing, dilapidated and in some cases, improvised equipment in a manner reminiscent of the survival of the fittest", he added.
Alhaji Umaru S. Ndanusa, President of Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) also present at the launching, said that "over the years Nigeria formulated several polices aimed at attaining sustainable industrial development, yet industrial contribution to the nation remained low. "Industrial development can only be stimulated and sustained if there is effective capacity building programme for both human capital and institutions," Alhaji Ndanusa said, adding that the issue is not only affecting Nigeria but also sub-Saharan Africa in general. Alhaji Ndanusa commended the efforts of government in establishing the Bank of Industry, and urged that it should increase the N50 billion initial grant to a minimum of N200 billion if any appreciable impact is to be made in reviving the already battered industrial sector.
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