The Cuban Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Carlos Sosa said his country would collaborate with Nigerian government on research in medicine, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology.
Sosa made this known when he paid courtesy visit to the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, on Wednesday in Abuja.
He said that the two countries would share ideas in many areas of science and technology.
“Cuba will collaborate with Nigeria in the areas of training and exchange of innovations through technology and education and create systems for both countries to share models with their counterparts in Cuba,“ he said.
Responding, Onu said the meeting was to strengthen existing cordial relationships with Cuba toward diversifying national economy by utilizing science and technology.
“This is in line with the present administration’s strategic plan, which is to add value on human resources through research and training, thereby gaining knowledge and be on the frontline of leading economies of the world.
“Redirecting economy from resource-based to knowledge-based by getting Nigerians to become more productive on issues that will add value to the exploitation of the nation’s natural resources,“ he said.
According to him, ministry’s mandate is to ensure that Nigeria becomes a leading economy through value addition to human capital development in the area of science and technology.
Onu said that completion of Memoranda of Understanding between Cuba and Nigeria would help Nigeria to be able to acquire technology and innovation in key sectors of the economy.
“This will enable us add value in revenue generation, provide job opportunities, create wealth and reduce poverty to the barest minimum in Nigeria,” he added. NAN
