from right, Representative of the Hon. Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Prof. Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso (right) Director, Science and Technology Promotion Department FMIST, Mr. Ukpong Ronald Okon (2nd right) and Head of Science Sector, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Dr. Enang Moma (3rd right) at the Commemoration of 2023 World Science Day for Peace and Development Themed: “BUILDING TRUST IN SCIENCE” in Abuja.

To motivate and encourage students in the field of science, the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology (FMIST) has donated one million naira to Government Science Secondary School Pyakassa for taking 1st position in science quiz competition

The quiz competition was held in commemoration of the 2023 World Science Day Celebration in Abuja.

The Minister, Chief Uche Geoffery Nnaji who was represented by his Technical Adviser on strategy and programmes, Prof. Martins Nnanyelugo Ike-munso said meaningful development cannot be achieved by any nation without science, technology and innovation.

Speaking on the theme of this year’s celebration tagged “Building Trust in Science” the minister said it underscores the indispensable need to foster trust in scientific endeavors, adding that it is the bedrock upon which the edifice of Science progress stands.

Mr Nnagi further said that the imperative for achieving sustainable progress and societal achievements depends on trust in the scientific processes through ensuring transparency, credibility and ethnical practices in every scientific pursuit.

Nnaji also maintained that the Ministry remains resolute in its dedication to uphold trust in Science as its commitment extends beyond scientific advancement, which encompasses fostering a friendly environment  where confidence and integrity and scientific discoveries and innovations thrive.

According to the Minister, “in our efforts to encourage trust in the nation’s scientific potential and nurture a culture of catching them young in excellent scientific pursuits, the Ministry has been organizing the 774 Young Nigerians scientists Presidential Award (774 YONSPA) annually”.

This he said is to effectively encourage and develop the interest of the teeming youths in Sciences, resulting in their taking up professions in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics(STEM).

The Minister who stated that he was highly elated after witnessing the performances of the students in the quiz competition and projects exhibition, assured that Nigeria will soon become an innovation hub for Africa.

In the quiz competition, Government Science Secondary School Pyakassa took 1st position, with a cash prize of One Million Naira (1000,000.00) while in the project exhibition category, Government Science Technical College, Garki Area 3, took 1st position with a cash prize of Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N500,000.00)

Representative of the Hon. Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology Prof. Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso (2nd right) Director, Science and Technology Promotion Department FMIST, Mr. Ukpong Ronald Okon (right) with students of Government Science Secondary School Pyakasa- Maitama, Ademosu Adebayo Jesse (2nd left) and Joseph Victor (left) during the presentation of first Position Certificate of Quiz Competition to the students at the Commemoration of 2023 World Science Day for Peace and Development Themed: “BUILDING TRUST IN SCIENCE” in Abuja.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Federal Ministry of Innovation Science and Technology, Mr. James Sule, who was represented by the Director, Science, Technology and Promotion (STP), Mr. Ukpong Ronald Okon, said that the World Science Day provides the platform where citizens kept abreast of developments in the field of science.

He also urged all stakeholders of the Ministry, Nigerians and the media to encourage development and sustainable Science and Technology sector for the desired diversification of the Country’s economy.

Eariler, the Secretary-General, Nigerian National Commission for United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Dr. Olagunju Idowu who was represented by Mrs. Ayara Eunice Oluremi said that Science is the application of knowledge and understanding of the national and social world with a systematic methodology.

She also added that building trust in Science requires knowing the source of information, its reliability, transparency and accountability.