FG Reiterates Commitment To Building Trust In Science
Princess-Ekwi Ajide Abuja
The Federal Government of Nigeria says it is committed to building trust in science as scientific and societal impact relies heavily on the trust it garners from the public for the betterment of society and human livelihood.
This was contained in a keynote address delivered by the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji at the 2023 World Science Day for Peace and Development celebration in Abuja with the theme “Building Trust in Science.”
The Minister acknowledged that any country that does not stand its developmental efforts on science and technology cannot expect magic in its quest for socio-economic development owing to science and technology’s pivotal role in progress and development.
He said, the theme of the event underscores the indispensable need to foster trust in scientific endeavours, which is the bedrock on which the edifice of scientific progress stands, hence, the need to recognize the relationship between science and societal development.
This according to the Minister, is essential to underlining the imperative of trust in scientific methodologies, research outcomes, and their utilization.
Chief Nnaji opined that it is important to note that achieving sustainable progress and societal advancements depends on trust in the scientific processes through ensuring transparency, credibility, and ethical practices in every scientific pursuit.
The Minister said, that in order to effectively encourage and develop the interest of the teeming youths in Sciences, resulting in their taking up professions in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, the ministry had taken to nurturing a culture of catching them young in excellent scientific pursuits, through organising the 774 Young Nigerian Scientists Presidential Award (774- YONSPA) annually.
The Minister urged all stakeholders to join hands in building and fostering an environment where scientific knowledge is respected, understood and utilized for the greater good of society.
Earlier in a welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. James Sule, had said the event provides a platform where citizens are kept abreast of developments in the field of Science so that every stakeholder contributes his quota.
