By Zainab Oyekan
The Plateau House of Assembly Committee on Education, Science and Technology has pledged to partner with Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation to boost science and technology in the state.
The committee made the pledge when the lawmakers paid an oversight visit to the ministry on Thursday in Jos.
The Committee Chairman, Prof Theodore Maiyaki said the visit formed part of the legislature’s constitutional responsibility to monitor implementation of approved government programmes and budgets.
Maiyaki stated that the visit was also intended to strengthen collaboration between the legislature and executive in advancing science, technology and innovation for sustainable development.
The committee chairman added that the oversight exercise would assess the ministry’s performance, review ongoing projects and ensure public resources were utilised efficiently for the benefit of Plateau residents.
He said the committee had earlier requested relevant documents from the ministry to facilitate objective assessment and meaningful engagement with the management during the exercise.
Mayaki urged the ministry to openly present its achievements, programmes and operational challenges, assuring members would support practical solutions through legislative intervention where necessary.
Responding, the Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Cletus Shurkuk welcomed the delegation and appreciated the committee for increased budgetary allocation to the ministry.
Shurkuk said the ministry remained committed to promoting indigenous innovations capable of addressing local challenges through research, technology and homegrown solutions despite existing operational constraints.
He said the ministry was identifying promising local innovators, linking them with investors and stakeholders while expanding partnerships with development organisations.
The commissioner reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to driving Plateau’s technological advancement, expressing confidence that sustained legislative support would accelerate innovation, economic growth and improved service delivery across the state. NAN
