The Technological Revolution In Nigeria (Akwa Ibom)Editorials & Articles
BLAZING THE TRAIL IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
It is a well known fact that the world economy is propelled by science and technology and those countries dominating the world today got to where they are because their economies are driven by science and technology. Led by the United States of America, Europe and Japan, now India, China and the Asian Tigers are on the march to greatness due mainly to their breakthrough in science and technology. Nigeria and many other African countries though with great resource potential cannot be counter among the world’s emerging economies due to their backwardness in science and technology. Having watched this development for the past several years, Obong Victor Attah on becoming the governor of Akwa Ibom State decided that if Nigeria as a nation must brace up to join the league of those new economic giants, Akwa Ibom must also take its destiny in its hands. And so, the governor, Obong Attah created the Bureau of Science and Technology and in 2003, it was turned to a full-fledged Ministry.
The Ministry was given the mandate to: formulate, review and implement the State policy on science and technology; formulate, review and implement the State policy on Information technology; promote, coordinator and sustain indigenous scientific and technological research and the promotion and administration of technology acquisition, adaptation and transfer among others. According to the commissioner of Science and technology, Dr Linus O. Asuquo, the vision and mission behind the creation of the ministry is: “for Akwa Ibom State to aspire to be recognized for excellence in science and technology both nationally and Internationally, and to use the knowledge of science and technology to develop the human intellectual capital of her citizen and for creation of wealth.” And for the mission, Dr Asuquo stated that, science and technology shall be the epicenter of knowledge for education, economic and cultural development in Akwa Ibom State.
“Science and technology shall be used to maintain a healthy, well informed and happy citizenry by applying science and technology to provide adequate and suitable food, shelter, education, sanitary, environment, basic social amenities and improved health care and healthcare delivery for all citizens.” The commissioner also disclosed that his ministry has oversight function over Akwa Ibom State University of Technology, AKUTECH, Ibom Science Park, ISP, and Victor Attah Digital Opportunities Centre, VADOC. The Science Park, technology centre, innovation centre and incubation centres, the commissioner described them as instruments of economic development as well as instrument of technology transfer. According to him, the incubation centre is being used as a tool for promoting entrepreneurship and would lead to new policy incentives. While science and technology. Park on the other hand is an ideal start up place for new technological oriented ventures. It is a place where young inventors and entrepreneurs will build up and grow during the start up period.
Pioneer investigation reveals that construction work has begun on the site acquired by the ministry to build the Science Park at Ntak Inyang. Even before work finally began at the site, multi-nationals and local companies wishing to do business at the park had been expressing interest. One of such companies is a Techno concept Inc. USA. The company and Akwa Ibom State government here signed a Memorandum of Understanding, Mous, that the company can move into the park and start work. Also, soon after completion the Science Park will have China Electronic Corporation and China Tinshilin Techno Manufacturing Company as one of its tenants. The company will manufacture cell phone hand-sets for Marketing and distribution in Africa. In this regard, a memorandum of understanding has also been signed between its management and the State government.
As more and more manufacturers continue to express interest to be part of the Science Park. The Victor Attah Digital Opportunities Centure, VADOC, has also attracted both local and foreign interests. VADOC is furnished with State-of-the-arts operational and pedagogical ICT facilities and curriculum, provides a conducive ambience for ICT learning, teaching, research and policy formation as well s ICT business incubation in software and hardware development. Commissioned in January 2005 by the Minister of Science and Technology, Professor Turner Isoun, the centre promises to be a showpiece of ICT knowledge. The Akwa Ibom State government is planning for the implementation of e-governance by ensuring that all top government officers as well as all citizens of the State are computer literate. This policy began with a training workshop for members of the State executive council and permanent secretaries in the civil service. Also, a training workshop was organized for judges in the State in order to make them computer literate. The centre, which has become a beehive of which attracted innovators, inventors and researchers.
During the forum, four local innovations and inventions wee identified. These are: Innovation on essential oil plant, automatic voltage regulator, AVR. Grease synthesizing machine and fishing smoothing plant. Based on the Memorandum of Understanding signed with the national office for technological acquisition and promotion, NOTAP, Abuja, the State government forwarded the five identified research projects to NOTAP for patenting and commercialization. NOTAP carried out Techno economic analyses of these projects and in 2004 gave patent rights for the commercialization of one of them, “STENIANG AVR/UPS.” The State government has in turn given the Eniang brothers inventors of the AVR/UPS development funds to build a factory in Uyo to mass produce the AVRS. Considering all these strides and more, it goes to show that the State government’s investment in the science and technology sub sector is paying off. It may not take too long, the State may yet lead Nigeria in its drive for technological development.
Source:
http://www.akwaibomstategov.com/edit2-2.asp?ID=1389
![Nairaland [Nigerian Forum] Home](http://www.nairaland.com/Themes/default/images/english/home.gif)
Author
