World Science Day: Scientists Call For Research, Infrastructure Development
As the world celebrates World Science Day for Peace and Development on Saturday, scientists have urged government at all levels to focus on Research and Development for the growth of the science and technology sector.
The scientists made the call in separate interviews with newsmen in commemoration of the day in Abuja.
The day was set aside to highlight the important role that science has in the society and the need to engage wider public in debates on emerging scientific issues.
The theme for this year’s celebration is “Science, a Human Right”. The day is marked to drum up support for increased research in science and technology, as well as educate the world on the importance of applying findings to achieve development around the globe.
Dr Spencer Onu, the Director, Centre for Satellite Technology Development (CSTD) said that science and technology were the keys to developing any nation.
He said that “Nigeria is not there yet in terms of developing Science and Technology because we need increased and serious funding to develop the sector”.
Onu, however, recognised that with President Muhammadu Buhari, and the leadership of the science ministry, science budget had relatively increased, adding that it was a ray of hope.
He added that “for the first time in the science sector, budget for the sector has increased, meaning that this administration understands the capability of the sector.
“We can do more in terms of investing in science and technology infrastructure for better development.”
The scientist identified that with the use of science and technology, especially space satellite technology, conflicts could been monitored and that had given the government credence to mitigate in such situations.
“Through satellite images, crisis, movement of troops have been detected, thereby ensuring the safe relocation of people and the protection of properties,” Onu said.
Dr Daniel Okoh, the Coordinator, Space Environment Lab, Centre for Atmospheric Research, said that with the dynamics of science and technology, major cities of the country should have been under surveillance to mitigate incidences of crime.
Okoh said “the level of science and technology application is backward in Nigeria because by now, we should have had cities like Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt under surveillance.
“If criminals know that surveillance cameras are watching them, they will conduct themselves and when they are not aware of it, footage from the cameras can be used to detect crime.
“The Ministry of Science and Technology should focus more on Research and Development (R&D) and as well adopt the application of products from researches,” he added.
He explained that the application of science and technology with reference to communication technology over the years had been used to reduce tension.
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