*As Govt Boosts TETFund's 2024 Research Activities With N5.0b
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, on Sunday reiterated the resolve of the Federal Government to drive the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration's Renewed Hope Agenda with local researches and innovation.
This, he said, will be used to create jobs and wealth in the country.
According to him, contributions of professionals in tertiary institutions will also go a long way to tackle the challenges presently facing the country.
He made the remark on the ocassion of Inspection of the arena for the TETFund National Research Fair /Exhibition 2024.
It is scheduled to hold at the Eagle Square, Abuja between November 18th and 21st 2024.
He said "We are here today, to inspect the state of preparedness of the TETFund National Research Fair/Exhibition, which will fully commence tomorrow Monday 18th November 2024
"As you can see, the quality of infrastructure set up to deliver this project is outstanding. I am happy to inform you that this special effort of TETFund is meant to encourage our Academia composed of Universities, Polytechnics, Colleges of Education, Research Institutes, the Military and other personal/community creativities, to respond to many critical needs for our National Development.
"Nigeria is well blessed with abundant institutions, intellectual professionals and natural resources. It cannot afford to divorce herself from the race and quest of the present trend of Nations using knowledge to grow their economies.
"At this time of our democratic development, Nigeria is facing several challenges including youth underemployment, poverty effects, insecurity and infrastructure decay, but we believe that the contributions of professionals as will be seen in this National Research Fair will be greatly needed in tackling many of such challenges.
"Our President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. has already made it clear that his Renewed Hope Agenda will mainly be implemented based on local Research and Innovation outputs, because as in other climes, economic growth cannot be achieved without the full use of outputs of research and technology efforts." he stated
The Research Fair, he said, will also address the desired synergy amongst all the relevant Research and Innovation agencies to fast track the deployment of their efforts and results towards nation building.
The Minister noted that this synergy will ensure that the dividends of democracy are delivered efficiently and Research and Innovation institutions scattered in many ministries will be well coordinated to become effective.
"While recognizing and appreciating TETFund for this effort, I want to assure you that TETFund will further be strengthened by harnessing resources from the public, private sector and the international community.
"This will enable our talented researchers, engineers and innovators to come up with solutions to national requirements in all sectors of our economy especially the Power sector, Healthcare delivery, Agricultural development, water supply, communication, amongst others.
"Mr. President has directed that we continue to strengthen the structures in relevant Public and Private Sectors to quickly translate the National Research & Innovation results into marketable products to ensure job creation, wealth creation and engage our youths productively, all in line with his Renewed Hope Agenda.
"This Government is committed to deploying Research and Innovation tools to generate and create wealth.
"In 2024 alone, Mr. President has approved the investment of N5.0b by TETFund to support research activities under its National Research Fund efforts.
"This is to ensure that appropriate research is conducted in our public tertiary institutions to evolve solutions to many of our National development challenges."
He assured that this effort will be sustained as an annual event by the government.