Stakeholders plan maiden National Conference on STI Communication

*Nigerian stakeholders in the science, technology and innovation sector are set to hold the inaugural National Conference on Science, Technology and Innovation Communication in collaboration with the African University of Science and Technology, Abuja

Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect

Nigerian stakeholders in the science, technology and innovation sector are set to hold the inaugural National Conference on Science, Technology and Innovation Communication (STICOMMSLOC), in collaboration with the African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abuja, FCT.

ConsumerConnect reports Dr. Bosco Okolo-Obi, Chairman, Local Organisation Committee of the conference, noted this Wednesday, August 27, 2025, while speaking at a media briefing held on the University premises.

The maiden conference with the theme, “Communicating Science, Technology, and Innovation for National Development”, will hold from October 21-23, 2025, at the African University of Science and Technology, Abuja.

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Okolo-Obi said the conference would bring key stakeholders together to promote researches and policies that are tailored to grow Nigeria’s Science, Technology and Innovation sector.

He also stressed that without effective translation of research into policies, products, and public understanding, the knowledge economy that Nigeria aspires to build would remain a distant dream.

The Chairman stated that the conference seeks to address these challenges.

Dr. Okolo-Obi said: “For the first time, we are bringing together researchers, industry leaders, policymakers, the media, educators, and the public on a single platform to chart a new course.

“Our focus will be on breaking barriers of technical language, strengthening partnerships, training a new generation of science communicators, and advocating for policies that institutionalise science communication in Nigeria.”

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The initiative, he stated, aligns fully with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to him, the initiative emphasises economic diversification, innovation-driven growth, human capital development, and inclusive governance where knowledge is translated into wealth, and innovation creates opportunities for every citizen.

In his welcome remarks, Prof. Azikiwe Peter Onwualu, President, African University of Science and Technology (AUST), said the institution was proud to be the host of the conference.

Onwualu explained the school has an innovation hub where work is ongoing to commercialise its recent outputs.

The school secured 10 patents in the last one year, he noted.

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Also speaking at the briefing, Mr. Olusegun Ayeoyenikan, a member of the Local Organising Committee and Director Information, New Media and Protocol at the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), stressed the need for citizens to promote the culture of STI as it is key to Nigeria’s industrial development.

Ayeoyenikan averred: “This is a milestone when it comes to building the consciousness to be patriotic because what we have is basically the lack of culture for science, technology and innovation.”

He urged all stakeholders to strive to push the process.

The LOC also urged the media to play a pivotal role in driving the initiative, urging journalists to own the event which will be held annually to improve Nigeria’s push for sustainability in STI.