ABU To Partner Ministry Of Science On Silicon Technology.
The Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University ABU), Zaria, Prof. Ibrahim Garbahas stated that the university is ready to partner with the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology for the research and development of indigenous Silicon technology.
The VC, who made this known on Tuesday when a team from the university visited the Minister of Science and Technology, Chief Ogbonnaya Onu, in his office, said that the university has put in place a multidisciplinary committee aimed at meeting the laudable objective.
Garba added that the school has offered a plot of land within the university campus for the establishment of silicon technology laboratory.
“ABU Zaria recognises the importance of the proposed collaboration between UN Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and Nigeria, among others to establish Nigeria Silicon Valley at Sheda Science and Technology Complex (SHESTCO).
“The said committee recognises the potentials of silica, its abundant deposit in Nigeria, diverse applications in products such as automotive, aerospace, satellite technology and photovoltaic cells,” he said.
Garba, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Na’ Iya Sada, expressed optimism that the photovoltaic cells would enhance the local production of solar panels to power supply in off grid local communities.
He stated that an in house silicon technology had the enormous potential to develop employment and income generation in the country.
Garba pleaded with the minister to endorse establishment of a research laboratory for the development of Silicon Technology in ABU.
Responding, Onu promised that the ministry would support the university to achieve its aim.
“We must thank ABU for the enormous contributions that the university has made in manpower development in the country.
“We appreciate these contributions and look forward to ABU making further contributions to the development of our country,” the minister added. (NAN)
