Stakeholders in the nation’s 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.

The chairman, Local Organization Committee of the conference, Dr. Bosco Okolo-Obi, speaking at a press briefing yesterday at the university premises said the maiden conference with the theme, ”Communicating Science, Technology, and Innovation for National Development”, will hold from 21st-23rd October, 2025, at the African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abuja.

He said the conference would bring key stakeholders together to promote researches and policies that are tailored to grow Nigeria’s Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) sector.

According to him, without effective translation of research into policies, products, and public understanding, the knowledge economy that Nigeria aspires to build would remain a distant dream, noting that the conference seeks to address these challenges.

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 institutionalize science communication in Nigeria.”

He said the initiative aligns fully with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasizes 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, President, African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Professor Azikiwe Peter Onwualu said the institution is proud to be the host of the conference, adding that the school has an innovation hub where work is ongoing to commercialize its recent outputs. The school secured 10 patents in the last one year.

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

“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 said while calling on 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.

•PHOTO: L-R; Member of the Local Organizing Committee, and Director of Information, New Media and Protocol, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Mr. Olusegun Ayeoyenikan; President, African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Professor Azikiwe Peter Onwualu; Chairman, Local Organization Committee, Dr. Bosco Okolo-Obi; and Publisher, Africa Science and Technology Magazine, Bonny Alams at a press conference to announce the inaugural National Conference on Science, Technology and Innovation Communication (STICOMMSLOC) in Abuja . . . Tuesday