Calabar – The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, on Friday inaugurated laboratory equipment at the Department of Chemistry in the University of Calabar.
The equipment were donated by the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) in partnership with PZ Cussons Nigeria PLC
Onu said that NOTAP, which is an agency under his ministry, was saddled with the responsibility of upgrading universities laboratories across the country with modern science equipment.
According to him, the vision of his ministry is to strengthen the role of science, technology and innovation with a view to defeat hunger, create jobs and stimulate the growth of Nigeria’s economy.
The partnership between NOTAP and PZ Cussons he said, had helped in building a modern economy that was technology driven and would help rebuild Nigeria and return it to a path of enduring prosperity.
“I am encouraged by the resolved of PZ Cussons to implement the upgrade of chemistry laboratory of this great university as a pilot programme of its Corporate Social Responsibility.
“This marks an important step toward strengthening the role of research and innovation in national development,’’ he said.
Dr Dan-Azumi Ibrahim, Director General of NOTAP, said that the objective of the partnership was to promote the consumption of science and technology in Nigeria.
“Nigeria needs technological development and it is time we equip our laboratories to optimal capacity. We have to provide a conducive environment for researchers.
“More than 90 per cent of the technology needed in Nigeria’s economy is imported. As a nation aspiring to greatness we cannot fold our hands and allow this to continue.
“The funding system in our universities is weak; that was why we approached the private sector to also see this as their Corporate Social Responsibility, ’’ he said.
Mr Christos Giannopolous, the Chief Executive officer of PZ Cussons, stressed the need to drive Nigeria’s economy to greatness using science and technology.
According to Giannopolou, PZ Cussons which has spent 144 years in Nigeria has executed 55 projects across the six geo-political zones of the country.
He said that majority of the projects, include the building of classroom blocks and hostels in universities, donation of learning materials and equipment to laboratories among others.
The Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Zana Akapagu, thanked NOTAP and Pz Cussons for choosing the university of Calabar to be one of the beneficiaries.