Addis Ababa — Prime Minister Haile-Mariam Dessalegn said that the government will give prime attention to the establishment of centres enabling to promote job creation in technical and vocational education training institutes and also universities.

Speaking at the 3rd national award ceremony for top researchers, students and innovators here yesterday, Haile-Mariam said the government has given due attention to job creation as it is a factor to decide the future of the country.

The Premier said the award would be instrumental in increasing interest among students to study science and mathematics. He said it also helps instructors to give attention to science and mathematics.

Science and Technology Minister Dessie Dalke on his part said a National Science and Technology Council has been set up to monitor the country's science, technology and innovation policy and strategy.

The Minister said that members of the Council headed by senior government executives are drawn from higher learning institutions, prominent figures and representatives of manufacturing and service providing institutions, among others.

He said this shows the prime attention given by the government to the development of science and technology.

Over 200 students and instructors, researchers and innovators, among others, received awards on the occasion. Some 39 of them are females.