By 
By Chinedu James
The Federal Government has reiterated its commitments to Nigeria’s economic growth through the promotion and development of science, technology and innovation. Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, made this known after the 2018 National Final Examination of the 774 Young Nigerian Scientists Presidential award in Abuja. The young Nigerians are drawn from the seven hundred and seventy four local government areas of the country.
The programme organized by the Ministry is intended to encourage young ones to achieve their full potential in science, technology and innovation (STI) as a way to begin to promote value of STI to economic growth and diversification among young Nigerians.
“The administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is determined to ensure that we have a bright future for our young people to release their creative energies, potential and make significant contributions to national development
“As young boys and girls who have shown amazing promise in science and technology, you must not let your dream die because it is in that dream that a new Nigeria can be born. You can surpass the achievements of our forefathers and become great men and women of distinction who can help ensure that in no distant time from now, Nigeria can produce a Noble laureate in physics, chemistry and medicine.
“I have no doubt in my mind that the seed we are sowing today will tomorrow, enable Nigeria stimulate greater interest among our young ones to accept science, technology and innovation as a way of life,” said Onu.
“Those of you who will excel at the end of this examination will be presented to President Muhammadu Buhari for recognition on March 5, during the forthcoming Technology and Innovation Expo” he added while also congratulating the students who emerged best in their respective local government areas and states.
According to him, the first position will receive N1 million, the second will receive N700, 000 and N500, 000 will go to the third position while participant at the final event will also receive a Laptop as a souvenir from the ministry.
He further said Nigeria could surpass the achievements of China if the nation would create and nurture a better future for young ones to start producing Nobel Laureates in physics, chemistry, and medicine because this was crucial in China’s emergence as the second largest economy in the world.
The Director, Science and Technology Promotion, Mr.Ekanem Udo, also said that the 774 Young Nigerian Scientists Presidential Award was an initiative of the Ministry to encourage and develop the interest of Nigerian youths in STI.
“The Federal Government is aware of the emerging new world order and the ICT revolution and is keen to take steps that will strengthen ICT for the rapid transformation of the economy,” said Udo.
