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The Ministry has successfully devised the necessary strategies to enable it attain the objectives of its mission. Three elements of these strategies are particularly relevant.
(a) National Policy on Science and Technology
The Ministry has produced a 500 page comprehensive document that details the S&T policy thrusts of Government. The document describes the detailed policy statements, work plans and plan implementation of technologies that are informed by global trends and guaranteed to propel the country through and beyond the 21st century. These are work plans for sustainable development in: - Biotechnology,
- Engineering Materials,
- Space Technology,
- Information and Communications Technology,
- Energy Generation and Utilization,
- Empowerment of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs),
- Technology Transfer and human capacity building,
- Natural Medicine, and
- Linkage of the Ministry with Tertiary Institutions, National and International Research Establishments and other Government Establishments.
The plans are grouped according to anticipated duration as short (1 – 2 years), medium (3 – 5 years) or long term (above 5 years). For each of the above listed areas of technological development, the document provides details of the specific project or programme, activities to be carried out, projected time frame and the organ charged with responsibility for implementation. The National Policy on Science and Technology is the blueprint upon which all activities of the Ministry are guided and directed. Presently, we have asked the National Centre for Technology Management (NACETEM) and the Planning Department to take a closer look at the policy guidelines and recommend areas of possible amendments.
(b) A Compendium of On-going Research and Development Projects
In line with the accepted policy thrust, the Ministry vets and approves (R&D) projects for its parastatals, departments and agencies. The on-going approved projects have been compiled into a compendium covering over 40 research establishments under the Ministry including existing and proposed Technology Incubation Centres in each State Capital. Over 1,000 projects are listed in the compendium. The compendium is invaluable for monitoring the progress of individual research projects, checking wastage and duplication of effort, maximizing the use of resources, research facilities and personnel, and linking research objectives with national development goals.
(c) Science and Technology Parks (STPs)
For the purpose of nurturing sophisticated technology-based Small and Medium Scale Enterprises from local resources and indigenous efforts the Ministry plans to establish eight (8) STP in Nigeria. These STPs are in the following areas: - Food Processing;
- Electronics;
- Industrial and Manufacturing;
- Biotechnology;
- Space Technology;
- Energy, Oil and Gas;
- Information and Communications Technology; and
- Plant-based pharmaceutical products as drugs.
All the Small and Medium Enterprises to be housed/nurtured in the STPs are S &T-based and are rooted in R&D activities, innovations and patents. These SMEs usually pass through the stages of laboratory pilot and commercial pilot studies involving design, re-design and high level of risks. These SMEs are expected to be managed by the private sector with some favourable incentives from Government and shall generate enormous spin-offs and economic activities. When fully operational and well managed, the STPs shall generate more foreign exchange for Nigeria than oil.
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