In order to improve the quality and knowledge of Nigerian students studying in Pakistan’s universities, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH) has launched COMSTECH-Nigeria Science and Technology Cooperation Program. The program will allow for capacity building and improving the technological know-how of the students.

The launching of the program was attended by press people, diplomats, officials from relevant ministries, OIC officials, members of academia and Nigerian students studying in local universities of Pakistan.

The press conference was addressed by the Coordinator-General, COMSTECH, Prof Dr Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary and the High Commissioner of Nigeria, Mr. Mohammed Bello Abioye at COMSTECH Auditorium.

Prof Choudhary during his remarks said that COMSTECH is successfully serving the member states in the domain of developing science and technology according to its founding vision and mission. “COMSTECH has successfully launched various programs to promote the adoption of science and technology as modern solutions to modern problems. It has also initiated programs in healthcare capacity building through developing international linkages,” he said.

He enumerated the various initiatives taken by COMSTECH including the fellowship program in the OIC system, Health Africa initiative, Science and Technology profiling of the member states, and other research projects and support programs.

Commenting on the launch of the COMSTECH-Nigeria Science and Technology Cooperation Program he said that the “purpose of the program is to build the capacity of the students of Nigeria studying here in Pakistan. These students will go back to contribute directly to the socio-economic uplift of their country.” He praised the Nigerian government for its support in the launch of the program.

The implementation of the program will be carried out with the collaboration of Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Abuja, Nigeria. It will serve as the focal organization for the program’s implementation. “A developed Nigeria will also help in the development of other African countries,” he said,

The Nigerian High Commissioner speaking at the occasion lauded the efforts of COMSTECH in successfully launching the program. He offered his full support to COMSTECH-Nigeria Science and Technology Cooperation in the successful operations of the plan. He agreed with Prof Choudhary that Nigeria will certainly work for the uplift of other African nations.

Assistant Secretary General Science and Technology OIC, Ambassador Askar Mussinov, who joined the event remotely appreciated COMSTECH for its successful initiative. He also said that COMSTECH is currently working on various new initiatives of the same nature to help the countries build their productive capital. “Coordinator General COMSTECH is doing a wonderful job in building linkages between countries like Palestine, Yemen, Sudan, Nigeria, and Somalia. These efforts will certainly bear fruit and new avenues for social and economic uplift of these countries will open up,” he said.

Pakistan’s foreign office was represented by Mohammad Adeel who shared the message of appreciation and hope for other dignitaries. “Science diplomacy,” he said, “is the way of the future. Countries can build long-lasting relationships only if they cooperate in technological and scientific domains to build capacity of the others. OIC has been instrumental in bridging the gap between countries and bringing them together on issues of socio-economic importance.”

COMSTECH-Nigeria Program includes the launching of women scientist research fellowship program, institution linkages between Nigeria and Pakistan, capacity building of Nigerian scholars and students, launching of books comprising of joint research publications and patents of Pakistani and Nigerian scientists, industrial internship of Nigerian professionals in food processing and value addition, and study visit of Pakistani students to Nigeria.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk