Tobias Sylvester
The Federal Government has commissioned the Nigerian Science Technology and Innovation television (NSTItv) in Abuja.
Adeleke Mamora, the Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) commissioned the initiative on Tuesday at the Headquarters of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Abuja.
Mamora said the television station which is the first of its kind in the country will essentially focus on science and engineering related matters within and outside the country.
The minister expressed optimism that the commissioning of the television will be a game-changer for Nigerians and will play a key role in promoting science, technology and innovation in the country as well as enable the citizens to appreciate the relevance and importance of STI to nation building.
He said, “I am highly delighted to stand before you and also address you today on the occasion of commissioning the Broadcast Studio of the National Science, Technology and Innovation Television (NSTI tv). This is a landmark occasion, not only for the Federal Ministry of Science, Technology nand Innovation but for the entire nation of Nigeria.”
He said the establishment of the NSTI tv could not have come at a better time than now, adding that it is on record that in the history of our great country, never has the Federal Government shown such commitment to strengthen the role of STI in our quest for rapid socio-economic development.
“We must give kudos to the present administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, which has recognized STI as indispensable if Nigeria is to become a truly great nation.
“Hence, the President has been supporting the programs/activities of the Ministry in the areas of providing enabling environment such as policies and regulations as well as improved budgetary allocations to the Ministry since his assumption of office, for the smooth running of the STI sector of the economy.
“The sole vision of the NSTI-Tv is to ensure effective dissemination of information on scientific and technological innovations in the sector, where the station would serve as a veritable platform to inform, educate and entertain as well as publicize scientific discoveries, inventions, and achievements of the various parastatals under the Ministry and exchange of ideas, knowledge and skills for the benefit of the common man.”
According to the Minister, the STI television will focus on Nigeria’s contribution to STI by publishing the latest outputs and products from all research institutions and the latest STI developments from all over the world, as well as showcase how our ancestors embrace STI in their daily activities by using locally available materials for their food, nutrition, drugs and medicine, building of houses.
According to him, the importance of knowing the past will help our youths to be more creative, inventive and innovative and also help prepare their future to be bright and promising.
He said: “As part of our plans for ease of access to information, we have developed an indelible and robust Television that is Terrestrial, Satellite and Internet-Based Science Over-The-Top (OTT) TV channel dedicated to Science and Technology knowledge dissemination, with a strong commitment to spreading scientific awareness especially with Nigerian perspectives, ethos and cultural milieu.
“You may wish to note that the NSTI tv will cover the entire landscape of Science, Technology and Innovation including Engineering, Health and Medicine, Natural Science, Environment and Wildlife, Children’s Curiosity, Science and Society, Agriculture, Innovations, Scientific Heritage, Science Policy using interactive and latest formats like Documentaries, Discussion, Demonstrations/Experiment Shows, Quizzes, Game shows, Science Fiction, Docu-Dramas, Specials, Biographies. The NSTI Television will also focus on Nigeria’s contribution to Science and Technology by publishing latest research outputs and products and will also cover the latest STI developments from all around the world.
“As we are aware, STI are the main driving forces of any nation and fundamental to progress and growth. So, it is necessary that the advantages of Science and Technology should reach all sections of society and all sectors of the Nigerian economy through popular media of communication. This is very important as Scientists, Researchers, Entrepreneurs and Innovators will showcase their work, and connect with other stakeholders in the STI ecosystem.
“This will also help to promote collaboration and knowledge sharing, which is essential for driving innovation and development.”
In the world today where technology is rapidly advancing and innovation is key to staying ahead, Mamora, said it is essential that the country invest in STI to promote development and sustainable growth and with the establishment of the television, we are taking a step in the right direction towards achieving this goal as STI are key to our accelerated development.
He said NSTI tv will provide Nigerians with access to a wealth of information on science, technology and innovation, and how they can be applied to improve our lives and our economy and also play a key role in promoting science, technology and innovation literacy in Nigeria, adding that through its programming, it will inspire young people to take an interest in Science, Technology and Innovation and encourage them to pursue careers in these fields.
KanyiDaily recalls that President Muhammadu Buhari said that Nigeria’s future depends on the country’s involvement in activities that revolve around science and technology.
