The need to heavily invest in Science and Technology by the three tiers of government has been advocated as a means of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
This assertion was made by Professor Babatunde Rabiu, the Director, Centre for Atmospheric Research of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), in a key note address delivered on the topic “Innovative, Scientific and Technological Approaches towards Achieving Sustainable Development Goals in Nigeria” at the 7th School of Science and Computer Studies (SSCS) Biennial International Conference held at the Polytechnic Multi-purpose hall.
Professor Rabiu who cited various Countries who had been able to take advantage of Science and Technology noted that such countries are today better off as no country can achieve the SDG without Science and Technology “as they will only remain perpetually poor, hence the need to embrace Science and Technology.
The statuesque he said, must tend towards heavy funding which must include changes in Curricular, modification in pedagogy and embrace precision farming as Nigeria is too blessed to ranked among the world’\s poorest countries.
He advised that Government at all levels and educationists in general, should also make necessary adjustment by increasing investment in scientific research, creating favourable policies for science and technological intervention and rejiging the Scheme of Service for public servants as well as embarking on collaborative efforts as everyone has a role to play in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, he stressed.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Rector, Dr. Dayo Oladebeye, observed that the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as adopted at the 70th Session of the United Nations General Assembly describes and covers major development challenges that are crucial for the survival of humanity, noting that for them to be achieved in Nigeria, they require innovative, scientific and technological approaches.
The Rector opined that the discovery of the right tools, adoption of available innovative, scientific and technological tools are still very low in Nigeria compared to the developed nations. He therefore advised scholars to come together to chart a sustainable path in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals for the good of the country and the world at large.
In his welcome address, the Dean, School of Science and Computer Studies, Mr. Akinsola Osanyinlusi emphasized on the need for participants to pay rapt attention to every engagement at the conference so as to arrive at the needed innovative ideas, suggestions and recommendations that will proffer ways in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in Nigeria.
