Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) for the International Conference on Science, Technology and Innovation (STICONF 2026) request for NUC’s support and full participation of universities.

The Chairman of the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) for the International Conference on Science, Technology and Innovation (STICONF 2026) and Head of Public-Private Partnership (PPP), Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Victor Fadipe, alongside the Co-Chairman of the Committee and Executive Secretary of WelcometoNigeria Development Initiative (WeNDI), Isa Yusuf Sago, paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.

The delegation was accompanied by the Conference Scheduling Officer and Assistant Director in the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Mr. Basil Audu Idemuza, as well as the Chairman of the Planning Sub-Committee, Dr. (Mrs.) Favour Adaure, representing the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) on the Inter-Ministerial Committee.

Speaking during the visit, Dr. Victor Fadipe stated that the purpose of the engagement was to brief the Executive Secretary on the strategic objectives and goals of STICONF 2026, provide updates on the level of preparedness for the conference, and seek the support of the National Universities Commission in mobilizing the participation of the Nigerian university community.

According to Dr. Fadipe, science, technology, and innovation remain critical drivers of economic transformation, industrial competitiveness, and sustainable development. He noted that despite Nigeria’s and indeed Africa’s growing pool of research institutions, universities, and innovation centres, a persistent gap still exists between research outputs and industry adoption.

He explained that STICONF was conceived by the WelcometoNigeria Development Initiative (WeNDI) as a strategic intervention to bridge this divide, leading to the inauguration of the Inter-Ministerial Committee with membership drawn from relevant government agencies and the private sector.

“The conference is designed as a strategic platform to bridge the gap between academia, industry, and government — particularly in advancing research commercialization and technology-driven development,” Dr. Fadipe stated.

In his remarks, the Co-Chairman of the Committee and Executive Secretary of WeNDI, Isa Yusuf Sago, expressed appreciation to Professor Ribadu for granting the delegation audience. He commended the National Universities Commission for its continued role in shaping the future of higher education and research in Nigeria.

According to Mr. Sago, the STICONF initiative strongly aligns with the Commission’s mandate to promote quality university education, encourage relevant research, and foster innovation across institutions of higher learning.

“STICONF provides an opportunity for Nigerian universities to showcase research outputs, engage with industry players, and explore pathways for translating academic knowledge into viable economic solutions,” he said.

He further noted that the conference aims to bring together policymakers, researchers, innovators, industry leaders, and international stakeholders to address critical issues surrounding technology transfer, capacity building, and institutional strengthening.

“We believe this initiative will enhance the global competitiveness of Nigerian universities and contribute meaningfully to national development,” Sago added.

Responding, Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu thanked the delegation for the visit and described the conference as a laudable initiative that aligns with the mandate of the National Universities Commission.

The Executive Secretary emphasized the importance of inclusivity and broad stakeholder participation in programmes of national significance, noting that the Commission remains strategic to the success and wider participation of universities in the conference.

Professor Ribadu pledged the support of the commission towards the success of STICONF 2026 and requested that a formal request be forwarded by the Ministry to enable the Commission take the necessary institutional steps in supporting the conference.

The courtesy visit was facilitated by officials of the commission and representatives of the NUC on the Inter-Ministerial Committee, Dr. (Mrs.) Ezinne Orisakwe and Dr. (Mrs.) Tola Oludare. Management staff of the Commission were also in attendance during the meeting.

STICONF 2026 is expected to serve as a major platform for advancing collaboration among academia, government, and industry, while promoting research commercialization, innovation-driven development, and sustainable economic growth in Nigeria and across Africa.