Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, I find it very pertinent at this point in time to send this memo to you sir. I have been itching to bring to your notice a number of issues as the minister of science and technology, chief among which is the neglect of the highly innovative young Nigerians who have been making laudable inventions.

I have never been in doubt of your ability to bring Change to the ministry of science and technology. Not long after your swearing-in ceremony, you vowed to Nigerians that you will indeed “be the best minister Nigeria ever had.” Many Nigerians are eagerly looking forward to seeing that happen.

Sir, it’s important to re-echo the role of science and technology; it’s the lifeline of any nation that desire to grow. Few weeks ago, I watched with awe the documentary of how one 30-storey building was completed within a record 360 hours—an astonishing 15 days—in China.

Nigeria is endowed with great inventors

Sometime in 2014, I interviewed Oyeyiola Segun, a final year student in the Department of Electrical Electronics, Obafemi Awolowo University, who built a solar-powered car. I was very amazed at his brilliance. Unfortunately, he couldn’t get any form of support from the government, despite all his efforts. The last time I heard from him—a few months ago—nothing has changed.

I was held spellbound as I watched a number of “made in Nigeria” mini airplanes, which were built by Aghogho Ajiyen, a young Nigerian who resides in Edo State, take off and fly several metres in the air. Channels Tv Eyewitness Crew had visited the inventor of these camera-fitted airplanes, which were made from locally sourced materials. Isn’t that amazing?

Sir, I’m pleased to inform you that two young Nigerians, 13-year-old Anesi and 15-year-old Osine Ikhianosime recently developed an Android-based web browser known as “Crocodile Browser Lite”. Not only that, I also read the story of one 27-year-old Hillary Promise who invented a remote controlled ship, aeroplane as well as bio-fuel.

And only recently, a young junior secondary school student, Chinecherem, from Anambra State, single-handedly constructed a very beautiful mini-duplex house for himself. It’s a long list and these are only a few of the numerous innovative young people that Nigeria is blessed with. There are still many more whose potentials, when unleashed, can make Africa’s largest economy the true Giant of Africa.

The world is moving fast; we should take a step

The World Economic Forum was held in Davos, Switzerland, between January 20-23 and the fourth industrial revolution was the subject of discussion. The use of Artificial Intelligence, evolving robotics, and emergence of self-driving cars was widely debated. The United States, China and other developed nations are already taking the lead. Sadly, we are still very far behind. Nevertheless, we have to start somewhere. And a good place to start is grooming and investing in the budding talents that are scattered across the country so as to turn our dream of becoming a technology giant into reality.

Mr Minister, I believe the ministry of science and technology should have a think tank mostly comprised of young and energetic Nigerians who are tech-savvy. This will enable you have access to first-rate ideas that can help revolutionize the sector. Also, I think there is the need to engage the tens of millions of Nigerian youths who are active users of both social and digital media. Prove to them that there is still hope despite the age-long neglect of this indispensable driver of change—science and technology.

In my opinion, I think your ministry needs to organise, as a matter of urgency, an effective exhibition during which the finest inventions in the country are showcased. Working closely with the media, I believe this will show the world that our country boasts some of the greatest inventors. Once the best of the best are selected in a most transparent way, they will have to be supported and established to do more, thereby solving many of our local problems.

These inventions can be improved upon through further trainings and partnerships with several international organisations. I believe this will go a long way, at least, in laying the foundation for the future you desire, the one every patriotic Nigerian desires.

Science and technology, once developed, can help transform many sectors—from education, health to agriculture, and trade and investment. In fact, it will help tremendously in fighting terrorism, corruption, oil bunkering and all forms of crime when given attention. That’s not to talk of the jobs it would create for the teeming unemployed and resourceful youths.

Sir, you can’t afford to let the many enthusiastic Nigerians down. We have your copious promises at our fingertips; it’s time for action.