[announcement_ticker]
In 2008, the Ministry of Science and Technology was established by the administration of Rt. Hon. Gabriel TorwuaSuswam with the mandate summarily to employ science and technology in all socio-economic activities with the view to improving quality of life of Benue citizens. This will be attained through strategic and coordinated utilization of available resources that would make the state develop industrially and with international ranking.
The committee after a careful study of documents relating to Science and Technology, visited the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, Abuja, Ministries of Science and Technology, Uyo, AkwaIbom state and Minna, Niger State respectively to come up with unique package to suit the Benue situation.
The Ministry has gone through metamorphosed process from change of name accompanied with policy changes from different successful government below is the breakdown of the evolution, returns and restructuring.
2008; Ministry of Science and Technology (Gabriel Suswan’s Administration); the ministry was established as the ministry science and technology focusing on science on promoting Scientific Research Innovation and technological development in the state. It is core mandate including identifying priority area of science and technology application. Creating a databank of human and material resource and easily with Federal government agencies and private entities.
2015; Renewed Ministry of Education Science and Technology. Although the exact goals of this merger were unclear, it was like aimed to integrate science and technology into education sector promoting STEM education and development .
2019; Renewed Ministry of Energy, Science and Technology: The Ministry name changed suggests a shift in focus towards energy development possible incorporating renewable energy sources and sub-stainableenergy solutions.
2023; Ministry of Energy, Science, Technology and Innovation (Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Alia’s Administration). The current name rejects a broader scope encompassing not only energy and science but also innovation. This change likely emphasizes the importance of innovative solutions in driving economic growth improving livelihoods and addressing state challenges as enshrine in the Seven (7) pillars of Governor Alias blue print working document.
The Ministry’s evolution demonstrate the state commitment to harnessing energy, science, technology and innovation for development. It’s current structure includes Directorate such as Administration, Finance, Science, Technology, ICT, Energy, Planning Research and Statistic as well as agencies like Benue State Science and Technical Education Board and Business and Engineering Skills Training Centre(BEST).
