OpeOluwani Akintayo
Lagos — The Nigerian Content and Monitoring Board, NCDMB has entered into a partnership with Enactus Nigeria for the implementation of its local content development program- the Nigerian Content Science and Technology Innovation Challenge, STIC.
The Nigerian Content STIC is an enterprise development program designed to challenge students of all accredited Nigerian tertiary institutions to stretch their ingenuity and apply science and technology to create home-grown, innovative and technologically driven business solutions that address some of everyday problems, accelerate reverse-innovations and create wealth, while also providing job opportunities for the growing numbers of the unemployed people in Nigeria.
Speaking at the official launch of the Innovation on Thursday in Lagos, the Executive Secretary, NCDMB, Engr. Simbi Wabote enunciated how universities in developed countries have played key roles in innovation, research and development and adaptation of new technologies.
However, Nigerian universities have over the years remained less-aggressive in pursuing expanded educational goals that will promote the Commercialisation of research products to promote rapid industrial growth and create jobs for the youths.
He stated that supporting the creation and management of research-based, sustainable entrepreneurial ventures will not only fast track the achievement of the Board’s 10-year road map, but will also spark technological innovations across Nigeria.
He mentioend that the challenge Which is open to all undergraduates in accredited tertiary institutions in Nigeria, provides a unique platform for students and tertiary institutions to embrace and imbibe the concept of research and development in creating sustainable innovative solutions to life’s problems.
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Also speaking, Country Director, Enactus Nigeria, Michael Ajayi expressed optimism in the potential of the STIC to positively engage the youths, create more jobs and discourage capital flight.
“The STIC is also designed to encourage Nigerian students to embrace entrepreneurship as a career option by supporting the development of entrepreneurial ventures, promote reverse-innovations and reduce incidents of unemployment”, he said.
The STIC is scheduled to run for a seven month period for submission of application online, to regional competitions and then the grand finale.
The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwoolu through his Special Adviser on innovation and technology in his keynote address, expressed the commitment of his administration to collaborate with all stakeholders as well as growing Innovation as evidenced by the recent funding of seven innovative startup companies in areas such as food security, secular economy and COVID19 prevention, as well as funding of research initiatives in University of Lagos, Lagos State University, Yaba College of Technology and the African Research Centre of Excellence.
Mr Olukayode Pitan, MD/CEO, Bank of Industry, and others present at the event took turns to speak about how their organisations were supporting innovation and entrepreneurial development in Nigeria.
They challenged the youths to continually utilise opportunities such as those provided by the NCDMB through STIC, as well as others provided by government and private sector, to showcase their creative potentials and create the jobs for the future.
