Jonathan Inaugurates Research, Innovation Council

President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday in Abuja inaugurated the National Research and Innovation Council (NRIC) to bridge the link between research and industrialization.

At the ceremony held at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, the President said the council, of which he is Chairman, would serve as the apex governing body of the science and technology innovation policy.

He said its setting up was in furtherance of the administration's new policy on science and technology innovation recently approved by the Federal Executive Council.

``We launched the industrial policy of the country last week. When people talk about the education policy, they always feel that there is a missing link between our education, products of universities or tertiary institutions and the needs of the society. The science technology and innovation programmes will stand as a major link between research and industrialization," he said.

Jonathan noted that no nation can develop technologically if it continued to rely on primary commodities, either raw minerals or agriculture produce.

``I always say that for Africa to get out of the woods, it must industrialise; without that, you can only be supplying goods and creating jobs outside the country.’’

The President said he expected the council to collaborate with other relevant departments of government to bring a synergy between research and industrial policy.

According to him, the council is composed of eminently qualified, who are presiding over departments of government that are critical to science and technology drive.

``I am quite hopeful that at the end of the day, this country will begin to turn to the direction our people expect.

The President said the country would host a high level policy dialogue in a few weeks to enhance judicious implementation of science, technology and innovation policy.

He said the dialogue would be hosted in collaboration with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) with the theme: Science Technology and Innovation and African Transformation agenda: Making New Technologies Work in African Transformation.

The President said he was committed to remain in the frontline for science, technology and innovation.

He solicited the support of Nigerians at home and in Diaspora to join hands with the administration in the drive targeted at making science, technology and innovation the basis of development and knowledge- based economy.

Members of the Council are Ministers of Communication Technology and Supervisory Minister of Science and Technology, Mrs Omobola Johnson, and Minister of Information, Labaran Maku
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Others are Ministers of Health, Prof Onyebuchi Chukwu, Education, Nyesom Wike, Agriculture, Dr Akinwumi Adesina.