Leadership (Abuja)
Umar Sa'id
13 November 2008
Bauchi — As global prices of petroleum continue to dwindle, resulting in low income for the country, Governor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State has identified commitment to the promotion of the study of science and technology as a cornerstone for the attainment of the Nigeria's vision 2020 project which the Yar'adua administration pursues as a road map for the nation's transformation from a mere developing country to a continental giant.
Isa Yuguda made the remark at the opening of a national workshop on functional capacity building in technological and vocational education in Nigeria for industrial development.
He said great nations today, attained their greatness through the development of their science and technology education, expressing regrets that Nigeria is among the economically backward country because of its over-reliance on petroleum while neglecting the promotion of science and technological education since gaining independence in 1960.
The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Alhaji Garba Muhammad Gadi, observed that science and technology today has gone beyond the traditional boundaries of teaching metal and wood work development of a nation, saying that Nigeria's vision 2020 is only realisable when the country embraces the total socio-economic computer networking and Information Communication Technology development generally which propels the world today.
He explained that Nigeria has no option than to vigorously pursue science and technology development if its vision 2020 is to be realised, notwithstanding its capital intensive nature, which he said other nations who did are reaping massively today. Yuguda noted that special equipment, materials and adequate infrastructure must be provided and put in place while emphasising the recruitment of enough trained manpower particularly teachers, instructors, technicians, researchers, scientists and engineers.
He pointed out that the cost of maintenance of equipment and machineries and retention of the personnel is equally expensive, stressing that "all hands must therefore be on deck if we are to advance scientifically and technologically", saying all stakeholders in science and technology must contribute honestly and positively towards the science and technological development of Nigeria .
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