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Space science and technology are key components of nation building requiring continuous heavy investment, Nigeria’s Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu has said.
Onu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the weekend in Jos, that government must promote research and innovations in space technology to enable Nigeria compete favourably with developed nations.
NAN reports that Onu was in Plateau to inaugurate the Pozzolana Cement Plant and Skills Acquisition Centre, both in Jos, as well as some projects at the Centre for Remote Sensing in Bokkos.
“The gap between us and developed countries is very wide; for us to catch up, we must invest in space research and innovations.
“Computer technology is key to virtually all forms of technology, from robotics, artificial intelligence and their likes.
“If we are able to master space science and technology, it will be easy for us to close the gap and place our country on the path of growth and development,” he said.
Onu said that the ministry was promoting research at various levels, adding that its various research centres had been performing optimally in that regard.
