Senate Advises FG to Invest in Technology Research

The Senate Committee on Science and Technology has advised the Federal Government to invest in research in technology to grow the economy, reduce the high unemployment rate and improve foreign exchange rate.

Senator Uche Ekwunife, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Science and Technology, disclosed during a courtesy visit to Mr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, the governor of Enugu State.

Ekwunife said, “What we need is what we can use to make our youths self-reliant. The technology incubation centre is a good example of that.

“It can drive us to independence in terms of the things we consume in Nigeria and also make our youths entrepreneurs who will not seek employment but create jobs.

“The challenges of science and technology is finance. We need the federal government to invest in science and technology. If we do not invest in science and technology, we will remain backward.
“Research cost a lot of money and we are calling on the federal government to invest in science and technology. They must fund research, because it costs money.”

Ekwunife, who also spoke to the management staff of Technology Incubation Centres in Enugu, said, “The reason for this visit is to liaise with you to see how we can advance our technology and also see what we can help you do in terms of budget and appropriation.

“Every quality product is as a result of research, and research is fueled by science and technology. It does not come cheap and government has to do more in terms of funding.”

Governor Ugwuanyi assured the Senate of his readiness to work hand in hand with the Senate to advance science and technology in the state by supporting the centre.

“The Technology Incubation Centre is designed by the federal government to add value through research. We assure you that we will partner with the centre in Enugu. We will use it to create employment and wealth for the youths.”