The Minister of Communication and the Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Pantami, emphasised the significance of technology for societal advancement.
Pantami made the statement while speaking via virtual conference at the start of the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) Kaduna’s two-day International Faculty of Science Conference.
According to Pantami, the government and educational institutions must pay more attention to science and technology as the key to the country’s development.
He also said that functional, practical, relevant science and technology education, rather than theories, which were given much priority in learning institutions, would impact the necessary skills of the students.
These, he said, would address unemployment in the country.
According to him, technology remains the pathway to sustainable development, noting that it was the way for the digital transformation of people in society.
“Relevant technology is the way of moving many out of poverty in Nigeria; technology holds the key to sustainable development because it has the potential to fully transform our society,” he said.
The minister further said that the application of basic science and technology could lead to effective solutions.
He said that such solutions would enhance the security challenges and restore peace and security for the attainment of sustainable development in Nigeria.
He also said Innovative capabilities, through science and technology, were critical for ensuring food sufficiency and harnessing agriculture and the broader food system as a driver of economic and sustainable development.