The Federal Government has been advised to increase its funding for Scientific Equipment Development Institutes to facilitate research and production of science and technical kits needed by educational institutions in Nigeria.
Chairman Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ, Niger State Council Comrade Abu Nmodu, gave the advice when he led other Executives of the union on a courtesy visit to the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer CEO, of the Scientific Equipment Development Institute SEDI in Minna.
Comrade Abu Nmodu said adequate funding of such institutes was necessary because of the important role being played by science and technology to the advancement of the country.
The state chairman of NUJ, who appreciated the contributions of SEDI in the production of educational kits for categories of schools advised the management to partner with NUJ to guarantee effective publicity of its activities.
He then called on the MD of SEDI to assist the union by providing IBB Pen House Minna with Solar Power Panels and training of Journalists on ICT to enhance their performance.
Responding, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of SEDI Minna Professor Baba Ndaliman, appreciated NUJ officials for the visit assuring that, journalists would be captured in its maiden ICT training while IBB Pen House Minna would be provided with solar power panels when the finance of the organization improves.
He said the institute was established in 1992 with the mandate to carryout research on products used by schools, hospitals and industries, adding that they have trained people in glassblowing, woodwork, wielding fabrication and ceramics.
He explained that plans were on to train youths, women and people living with disabilities on 10 different skills, to fully utilize the Muhammadu Buhari Entrepreneurship Development Center established in 2022 by the institute.
Professor Baba Ndaliman, revealed that SEDI has carried out corporate social responsibility for the host communities to improve their standard of living and also enhance their education and health facilities.
