Federal Government of Nigeria has given out N6.750m to researchers, innovators and investors who distinguished themselves at the just concluded Technology and Innovation Expo 2019 in Enugu.

The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Obgonnaya Onu revealed this at the closing ceremony of the expo.

According to Dr. Onu, “I believe that this will encourage others to work harder and help us in building a new science and technology culture in our dear nation. The assessment was carried out professionally and in a very transparent manner with the aim of getting the best from the science, technology and innovation sector”.

The awards were in four categories, Research Institutes, Tertiary Education Institutes, Technology Entrepreneurs and Junior Engineers, Technologist and Scientists (JETS). Each category was rewarded N1m, N750,000 and N500,000 respectively.

In the tertiary institution category, University of Nigeria Nsuka, University of Uyo and Usman Dan Fodio University came first, second and third respectively while Government Science and technical College Garki, Area 3 Abuja, Excellence International School, Jalingo, Taraba State and St. Peters Unity School Ondo State came first second and third respectively in the (JETS) category.

National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) came first and second position respectively while National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and Nigerian Building and Roads Research institute (NIBRRI) shared the third position in the Research Institute category.

In the Technology Entrepreneurs Category, Clarks Pharmaceutical Company, Bravura Electric Products and Peace Petroleum Nig. Ltd came first, second and third respectively.

Onu, however enjoined Nigerians to utilize the greatest gift given to mankind by Almighty God, our human brain, to come up with ideas that will help solve our national problems.