Minister' Visit to NACETEM

Minister of State for S&T in NACETEM, Pledges Support
The Honourable Minister of State for Science and Technology, Dr. Alhassan Bako Zaku visited the National Centre for Technology Management (NACETEM) on Thursday 27th March 2008. The Minister's team was received by the DG/CEO, NACETEM, Dr Willie Siyanbola at the Ile-Ife toll gate of the Ife-Ibadan Expressway before proceeding to the Office of the Vice Chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University . The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Professor Funmi Togonu-Bickersteth while receiving the Minister on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, expressed the University's pleasure in hosting NACETEM. She particularly mentioned the role of the University in providing a conducive environment for science technology and innovation through its Technology Planning and Development Unit (TPDU). She however made case for collaboration between the University and the Ministry. At NACETEM, the Minister inspected the construction work at the 500 – seater auditorium as well as the administrative complex of the Centre. He commended the efforts of the management of the Centre in putting up a befitting office accommodation for itself and pledged his support towards the completion of the projects. While delivering his welcoming remarks, the DG/CEO appreciated the effort of the Hon. Minister of State for S&T for visiting NACETEM after the historic visit in August, 2007 of the Minister in Charge, Chief Grace Ekpiwhre (JP, mni). He said their visits shows commitment of the Ministry to strengthen NACETEM and develop it to an international centre of excellence in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) management.


The Hon Minister (R) receiving a gift from the DVC (Academics), Prof (Mrs) Funmi Togonu-Bickersteth	The DG/CEO, NACETEM, Dr Willie Siyanbola introducing the Hon Minister to the Management team	The Hon Minister, the DG/CEO and the Management team of NACETEM in a group picture

The DG/CEO also took time to explain the main business of NACETEM: Capacity Building , Policy Research and Consultancy Services in STI management. Aside this, the DG asked for the assistance of the Minister in overcoming the challenges faced by the Centre in carrying out her mandates. These challenges include inadequate human resources and inadequate funding. He also solicited the assistance of the Minister towards the resuscitation of the National Science Foundation. He assured the Hon. Minister of the Centre's unflinching support and cooperation wished him a fruitful and hitch-free tenure. The Hon. Minister while responding expressed his appreciation to the Management of the Centre for the kind hospitality shown to him and satisfaction with the activities of the Centre. He however advocated the setting up of a legal department within the Centre. He also said that the Ministry is aware of the importance of NACETEM to the nation's development and assured the Centre of the necessary support from him and the Ministry.

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