The Plateau Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation and the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, NIPSS, have agreed to strengthen collaboration on science-driven development.
The Commissioner, Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Cletus Shurkuk during a working visit with some senior staff to NIPSS disclosed that the partnership would help the state to review its policies for better performance.
Shurkuk said it would enable the state STI to align with emerging technologies, innovation priorities and economic development objectives.
The commissioner stated that the existing policy was outdated and inadequate for addressing contemporary challenges, particularly revenue generation, innovation management and technology-driven socioeconomic transformation.
He requested NIPSS to provide technical support, policy expertise and institutional capacity building throughout the review process to ensure a comprehensive and implementable policy framework.
The commissioner expressed optimism that collaboration with NIPSS would strengthen institutional capacity, improve policy implementation and enhance the ministry’s contribution to sustainable economic development.
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Shurkuk also highlighted the need to identify, nurture and commercialise local innovations while providing innovators with platforms to attract investment and protect intellectual property rights.
Also speaking, the permanent secretary of the ministry, Mr Peter Bot, emphasised that staff training, digital literacy and human capital development remain critical for effective implementation of STI programmes across the state.
Bot said that the policy review would also prioritise agriculture through value addition, particularly by promoting food processing industries capable of reducing post-harvest losses, creating jobs and boosting the state’s economy.
The Director General of NIPSS, Prof. Tayo Omotayo, who was represented by Prof. Kyanta Tanyigna, advised that the revised policy should incorporate digital transformation, innovation commercialisation, research development, intellectual property protection and stronger collaboration across government institutions.
Tanyigna also encouraged wider stakeholder consultations involving ministries, federal agencies, development partners, research institutions and local governments before the policy receives final government approval.
Both parties agreed to exchange and jointly review a draft Memorandum of Understanding before submitting it for approval and eventual signing by the appropriate authorities.
NAN reports that the meeting was concluded with commitments to establish a joint technical team, commence policy review after approval and deepen collaboration to advance science, technology and innovation in Plateau State.
NAN
