According to Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology Uche Nnaji, the EU's cooperation with the Nigerian federal government will significantly advance technological development, boost research in technology innovation, and unleash Nigeria's potential in the global tech scene.
Nnaji, who was there as the representative of Dr Matthew Adepoju, Director General of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), said that technological innovation drives economic growth in any country. The Nigeria-EU Innovation Days were held recently at the Landmark Centre in Lagos.
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How is the EU collaborating with the Nigerian federal government to innovate?
According to Nnaji, the government is dedicated to guaranteeing a robust support system from all stakeholders in the private sector and academia to foster collaboration and innovation, and the collaboration will enhance capacity development.
At the forum, various stakeholders expressed optimism that the EU-Africa Innovation Agenda would unleash Africa's immense potential and bring a transformational change.
Bridging Gaps: EU-Nigerian Research and Innovation Summit
To investigate the potential in e-Health, Agritech, and Industry 4.0, representatives from the Nigerian, giant African, and European research and innovation ecosystems convened for a two-day event co-organized by the EU and the Nigerian government.
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In her introductory remarks, Dr Jamila Bio-Ibrahim, the Minister of Youth Development, said Nigeria is on the cusp of a technological revolution that will use science, innovation, and technology to boost economic growth, create jobs, and improve quality of life.
"Our Science, Innovation, and Technology Roadmap outlines a comprehensive plan to achieve these goals. The Ministry of Youth Development promotes STEM education, entrepreneurship and startups, and international cooperation, Bio-Ibrahim stated.
The Nigeria of the future will consume and generate technology, she said. The nation will export ideas and resources; every child can become a scientific pioneer. We'll create Nigeria together. We must act now. Let Nigeria-EU Innovation Days launch a scientific revolution in Africa."
