Lagos — Prof. Mohammed Abubakar, the new Minister of Science and Technology, on Tuesday said that Nigeria should start thinking of how to translate scientific ideas into production.

Abubakar, who is a former Vice Chancellor of Kebbi State University, made the statement in Abuja while assuming office shortly after his inauguration by Acting President Goodluck Jonathan.

"The most important thing we have to start thinking about is how to translate what we have been learning in science, engineering and technology into practice," he said.

The minister said his vision for the ministry and the country was to achieve the translation of ideas into production, adding that it was a personal question.

"I am not coming here to destroy, anyway. No, I am coming here to put whatever I can put right," he said.

He said the ministry was a professional one and having a professional as a minister was the best thing that could happen to it.

Speaking earlier, Mrs. Fatimah Bamidele, the Permanent Secretary, said the ministry of science and technology was the engine room of economic development and growth of any country.

"With your background and experience, we look forward to work with you and pledge our support for you," Bamidele said.

She presented the brief of the ministry and a copy of the 2010 budget to the minister.