Page 36 President Muhammadu Buhari, has on Monday, in Abuja, granted full scholarship up to the Doctor of Philosophy, PhD, level, to three Secondary School Students, who emerged winners at the year 2020 Young Nigerian Scientists Presidential Award Competition.
The scholarship is in any science-related discipline of their choice, at any University in the country.
Declaring open the 2020 Science, Technology and Innovation Expo with the theme: ”Enhancing The Growth Of A Diversified Economy Through Science And Technology”, the President commended the creativity and competitive spirit of the three young scientists who emerged tops in the competition tagged: ‘774 Young Nigerian Scientists Presidential Award (774 YONSPA)’.
The Students are Masters Akintade Abdullahi Akanbi from Osun State, of Osogbo Government High School, Osogbo, Osun State, who came first; while the second positions went to Uwakwe Nelson Kamsiyochukwu from Anambra State, of British Spring College, Awka; and Aimofumhe Eshiobomhe Sigmus from the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, of the School of the Gifted, Gwagwalada, Abuja, respectively.
President Buhari noted that Nigeria’s greatest resource is its human capital, assuring that his administration would continue to support human resource development.
”This is richly embodied in our youths, who make up tens of millions of incredibly talented persons, constantly pushing and striving towards greatness. The future of Nigeria belongs to our youths.
”This administration will therefore, continue to create the enabling environment for them to develop to the fullest, their potentials.
”We will harness their energy and their talents to make Nigeria achieve true greatness”, he said.
The President reiterated the commitment of the Federal Government to partner with the private sector on science, technology and innovation sector development, towards ensuring that the sector plays the very important role in advancing the frontiers of knowledge for nation building.
”Government will continually support the creation of intervention funds, to strengthen research and development, human capacity building programmes, and collaboration with the organised private sector.
”We will continue to work towards the realisation of the National Research and Innovation Fund. I am aware, this Fund will help promote research activities in our country”, he said.
The President, therefore, directed the Minister of Science and Technology, to create the needed opportunities to ensure that Nigerian Scientists work towards providing solutions to the nation’s challenges of insecurity, unemployment, poverty, healthcare delivery, and power, among others.
The President affirmed that if Nigerian potentials in the Science and Technology sector are properly harnessed, with the enabling environment created, 100 million Nigerians will be taken out of poverty in the next ten years.
”This remains my aim for Nigerians”, he stressed, noting that, Nigerians at home and abroad have always demonstrated remarkable ingenuity and inventiveness, and with the right environment, and policy framework, there is no limit to how far Nigerian innovation can go.
”A prime example of an outstanding Nigerian is Mal. Jelani Aliyu, who is now the Director-General of the National Automatic Design and Development Council.
”Mallam Jelani designed the General Motors of America’s leading auto brand, the Chevrolet Volt. Now he is assuring Nigerians that all the cars that took part in Argungu Motor Rally, were assembled in Nigeria”, he said.
