Onu wants private sector to invest in commercialisation of research results

The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, has called on the organised private sector to invest more in the commercialisation of research findings to advance national development.

NAN reported that Onu made the call on Tuesday in Abuja when he launched the administrative building of Sheda Science and Technology Complex (SHESCO).

The minister said the step would reduce poverty, create more jobs and  generate wealth.

According to him, the ministry and its 17 agencies will only concentrate on research and allow private investors to take over the commercialisation of research  results.

“We cannot be doing the research and also at the same time be dealing with commercialisation; it will be very difficult.

“ So, we call on organised private sector to come in and take interest in the numerous research findings and various important research findings that are going on in our research institutes all over the country.

“This is because we are now targeting our research to solve our major national problems. The essence of research and innovation should be to improve the standard of living of our people,’’ he said.

The SHESCO Director General, Prof. Sunday Thomas, said the complex was established to enable institutions and individuals to undertake a wide range of research and development works in a comprehensive and organised manner.

According to him, the complex is to house facilities whereby there will be concentration of sophisticated and modern equipment for research and development involving the highest level of technology in one location.

“This is to avoid unnecessary wide diffusion with attendant cost effectiveness, thus ensuring sustainability and intensity of use’’ of resources.

“ In other words, the complex is modelled as a Science and Technology Village with facilities for high technology research and supporting structure of power, water supply as well as housing other social/recreational facilities.

“These facilities are for use by researchers from the academia – tertiary educational/ research institution to conduct research and development activities for applications in the area of agriculture, healthcare delivery and industry,’’ he said.

The minister said the complex had been able to establish and provide facilities for research and development over the years.

Thomas said the complex comprised Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering Advanced Research Centre, Chemistry Advanced Research Centre, Physics Advanced Research Centre and Nuclear Technology Centre.

It will also have an Applied Mathematics and Simulation Advanced Research Centre, which is being currently developed, he said.