Okonjo-Iweala seeks renaissance in science and tech

African Heads of government, scientists and scholars have been urged to develop and diffuse the excitement and promise of the 21st century in science and technology that could lead to an "African Renaissance", if the continent's aspiration for self-sustainability is to be achieved in no distant time.

Managing Director of the WorldBank Group and Chair, Nelson Mandela Institute (NMI)'s Board of Directors, Dr Ngozi Okonjo- Iweala made the call shortly after the second distinguished lecture series, organised by the NMI in collaboration with the African University of Science and Technology (AUST), at the AUST campus in Abuja recently.

The acquisition of knowledge, she said, was not enough. Its utilisation in solving African peoples' problems should be a paramount priority of Africans both at home and in the Diaspora. Okonjo-Iweala delivered the first lecture in the series held last year.

Delivering the Second Distinguished Lecture titled, 'New Frontiers in Science and Technology for African Development, Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Princeton University, USA, Oluwole Soboyejo presented some examples of recent collaborations between African and international scientists in the area of science and technology, which were yet to be tapped by successive governments in Africa.

Such findings include, possible strategy for African solar cell /LED manufacturing, scaled up pilot plants to manufacture solar cells, early detection of cancer mechanism using therapeutical drugs manufactured from magnetic fields, to mention a few.

Soboyejo, thanked NMI and the leadership of AUST, for finding him fit to deliver the lecture and promised to make himself available in the call for self- independence by Africa in science and technology-related fields.

Guests at the lecture include, Chief Executive of NMI, Prof. Funmi Arewa; Hamza Isa Baba from the FCT Agency for Science and Technology; Dr Boubou Cisse of the WorldBank and NMI Liaison to AUST; Nwosa Lucky of NOTAP, Resident Surveyor, FCDA, Joe Odoh and a host of AUST leadership, led by the Acting President, Prof. Charles Ejike Chidume.

This Day

Related stories: CNN's Walter Rogers writes women are the future of Nigeria

Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for President!