FG sets up grants committee for research in ICT

The Federal Government has established a committee to deepen research and development in information and communications technology in the country.According to the National Information Technology Development Agency, the committee would be responsible for advising the Federal Government on areas of concentration in research and development that merits governments financial support.The committee chaired by Prof. Onibore of the University of Benin will also advise NITDA on any activity that has the potency to promote the development and research innovation in Nigeria as well as assist researchers and entrepreneurs to develop and establish the impact of R&D on the local economy.It is also the responsibility of the committee to establish synergy between government and institutions at different levels and Research and Development bodies.At the inauguration of the committee in Abuja, Director General of NITDA, Prof. Cleopas Angaye said for Nigeria to become a global player in the knowledge driven economy, a substantial investment in human resources was needed.He said, Government recongises ICT as a strategic imperative for development. Taking cognizance of its immense benefits, government has resolved to provide considerable national resources, both financial and otherwise for the realisation of socioeconomic development.Information and Communications Technologies facilitates sustainable development through fast, cheap, equitable, and resource-efficient access to information, accumulated knowledge, provides learning opportunities and co-operation support tools for citizens.It can also assist government to enhance performance, reduce waste, improve healthcare delivery, eradicate poverty and generally improve standard of living to the achievement of sustainable socio-economic development.
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