Enugu — SEDI's Managing Director, Prof. Christian Nwajagu, who spoke in Enugu, maintained that no nation of the world, whether developed or developing, inclu-ding Nigeria, could record any meaning achievement in its economy without paying adequate attention to science and technology.

"For any nation, including our country Nigeria to really make headway in its economy, science and technology must be accorded top priority, because it is through technological advancement that other sectors can be transformed," he said.

Briefing staff, the SEDI director, who just returned to his duty post last week after being away for about seven months over what was described as internal friction, said the proposed laboratory if established, "would have a multiplier effect on the organization, South-east zone, and nation at large".

According to him, the laboratory would assist the establishment in impacting practical knowledge on youths that are undergoing skills acquisition programmes in the institute.