The Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, has announced that the federal government has awarded grants to thirty-two (32) inventors and innovators from across all six geo-political zones of Nigeria.
Speaking at the 2023 Grants Award Ceremony of the Presidential Standing Committee on Inventions and Innovations (PSCII) held in Abuja, Nnaji emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “The Presidential Standing Committee on Inventions and Innovations (PSCII) was inaugurated by the Federal Government in October 2005, to encourage and promote inventions and innovations in the country.”
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Esuabana Nko Asanye, the Minister highlighted the program’s success over the years, noting, “More than 600 inventors and innovators have benefitted from the grants across the six geo-political zones of the country since the inception of the PSCII programme in 2005.”
Nnaji further underscored the role of public-private partnerships in achieving the programme objectives, stating that collaboration with the private sector “will facilitate the achievement of the desired goal of the Programme by providing a solid foundation for technological breakthrough as well as improve the socio-economic development of Nigeria.”
He added that enhancing global competitiveness is vital for job creation, wealth generation, and improving the overall well-being and quality of lives of Nigerians.
The minister urged the beneficiaries to “utilize the Grants judiciously” and encouraged them to strive to overcome the challenges of unemployment and poverty in the country.
During the event, Mrs. Esuabana Nko Asanye, represented by Deputy Director Eng. Azuftama Dahiru, revealed that a total of N47,000,000.00 was awarded to the thirty-two beneficiaries.
She further detailed that the grants ranged from one to five million naira for each awardee, aimed specifically at encouraging Nigerians, particularly those in the informal sector, to develop viable technological ideas that can positively impact the citizenry and the economy.
In a goodwill message, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI), Dr. Patricia Uche Chukwu, emphasized that “inventions and innovations advancement ensures great technological progress which assures efficient production, prosperity, and economic growth of the Country.”
