The Nigeria Academy of Science seeks effective use of science/technology for economic development

The Nigeria Academy of Science (NAS) on Monday said that effective use of science and technology would serve as a viable source for sustained national economic development.

The President of NAS, Prof. Oyewale Tomori, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the country needed to tap into other areas of strength for sustainable development.

“It is obvious that Nigeria has to look at other sources for sustaining her economic growth and development; and science and technology, if rightly utilised is one of the viable sources,’’ he said.

The NAS president said that the search in other countries for alternative sources of energy should alert Nigeria that it must wake up and diversify its economy from crude oil to other sources.

According to Tomori, the nation’s lack of economic diversification and the adverse global economic changes has affected Nigeria’s currency with the Naira hitting all time low against the dollar in recent months.

Tomori also said that the failure to adequately fund science and research in institutions of higher learning called for government serious attention.

He said that NAS was looking forward to a more energetic pursuit of science and technology for national development and the improvement of the socio-economic status and well-being of Nigerians.

NAN reports that the academy is a voluntary organisation collaborating with government in the development of science and technology in Nigeria.