The Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Engr. Prof. Mohammed Sani Haruna has observed that the only long-lasting solution to the present security challenges and other socio-economic problems facing the country is to deliberately build a manufacturing-based economy that could engage the teeming youths, adding that, all the countries that had recorded economic growth did it through creativity, application of intellect, knowledge and technical know-how and not from their natural resources.
Prof. Haruna said that “idle hands are devils workshop”, explaining that it was better to handle any problem right from its roots causes.
While declaring open today the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institution (NASU) regular meeting of the Research and Projects Trade Group Council(RPTGC) held at NASENI headquarters in Abuja, he noted that many of the developed countries of the world had no natural resources but had evolved into enviable economies through investment in research and development or by the discreet use of technologies to explore other nations’ natural resources while they (developed countries) concentrated on development of their own citizens; talents, creative ingenuities and technical know-how.
Expressing his gratitude to NASU for choosing NASENI to host its meeting, the EVC/CE of NASENI said this is the meeting of research and development institutions which is the singular solution to insecurity, lack of infrastructure and poverty eradication.
He said all materials for construction of roads, building of infrastructure are based on technical know-how. “We can eradicate poverty if we look beyond our natural resources and work with research and development institutions. But NASENI cannot do it alone, we need collaboration and synergy with allied institutions”
He said that the solution to all the problems facing Nigeria is in home-grown technology, integration and reverse engineering, stating that China was able to develop COVID 19 Vaccine because of their knowledge and technology.
He however urged NASU to continue to tow the path of peace in solving all disputes as it was the only way to get government to do more than what they promised as well as support research and development projects of their various institutions.
In his address, the Deputy President of NASU, Comrade Henry Okoyomon said that the regular meeting, no doubt, would afford the Union opportunity to rub minds on very topical issues bordering on welfare and well-being of members with a view to improve their standard of living.
On insecurity, he said the current situation in the country was alarming and disturbing and called on the Federal Government to take drastic measures in addressing the issue and other challenges such as inadequate power supply, bad roads, and the imminent fuel subsidy removal amongst others.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of NASU, NASENI Branch, Comrade Tongshaka Nenfot Joel who highlighted the achievements of the Union said the hosting by NASENI branch was another positive feather added to NASENI as a body.