by Kazeem Abubaka

In the heart of Nigeria’s drive towards becoming an innovation-led economy, the years 2021-2022 marked a significant period for the country’s scientific and technological landscape. This was the time when the National Science and Technology Innovation (STI) Policy was actively shaped and refined. Engr. Kazeem Abubakar (PhD) played a pivotal role in this transformative journey. His leadership and dedication were instrumental in drafting and implementing a comprehensive STI policy aimed at steering Nigeria towards a knowledge-based economy. This story unfolds his journey, the collaborative efforts involved, and the impact of these initiatives on Nigeria’s future.

Participating in the National Science and Technology Innovation Policy
Dr. Kazeem Abubakar, an esteemed engineer and researcher, actively participated in the National Science and Technology Innovation Policy from 2021-2022. During this period, he was an integral part of the ministerial committee responsible for the final drafting of the STI policy. This policy was developed by NACETEM in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Innovation Science and Technology. The policy aimed to address the pressing need for a structured approach to science and technology in Nigeria, focusing on enhancing research and development (R&D) and fostering innovation across various sectors.

Drafting the Policy Implementation Plan: 2022-2023
In 2022, Dr. Abubakar’s role evolved as he led a dedicated team in drafting the National Science and Technology Innovation Policy Implementation Plan. This plan was developed for the period 2022-2023, providing a roadmap for translating the policy into actionable steps. Under his leadership, the team meticulously crafted strategies to ensure that the policy’s objectives were met. The implementation plan was crucial for the government’s vision to transition to an export-earning and knowledge economy, positioning Nigeria as a competitive player on the global stage.

The Role of STI Indicators
A significant aspect of the policy and its implementation plan was the use of Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) indicators, particularly the Total Government Budgetary Allocation to R&D (GBARD) as a percentage of GDP. The data collected by NACETEM highlighted the fluctuations in GBARD over the years, which underscored the need for a more consistent and robust investment in R&D. The historical data showed GBARD values such as 0.0016% in 2007, dropping to 0.0005% in 2020, and a slight increase to 0.0006% in 2021. Recognizing the importance of these indicators, Dr. Abubakar’s team utilized artificial intelligence (AI) to project future trends, predicting a steady increase from 0.0008% in 2022 to 0.002% by 2035.

Strategic Focus on Economic Transformation
The drafted implementation plan aimed to support Nigeria’s transition towards an export-earning economy and a knowledge economy. This strategic focus was essential for addressing the challenges of capital flight and fostering a sustainable economic environment. The plan outlined various initiatives to enhance the legal and regulatory environment, improve economic and market dynamics, bolster technological infrastructure, and secure financial and intellectual property frameworks. These efforts were designed to create a conducive environment for innovation and attract both local and foreign investments in science and technology.

Challenges and Achievements
The journey to drafting and implementing the STI policy was not without challenges. The team had to navigate bureaucratic hurdles, ensure stakeholder engagement, and address funding constraints. Despite these obstacles, Dr. Abubakar’s leadership ensured that the policy was not only comprehensive but also pragmatic and aligned with Nigeria’s developmental goals. The collaborative effort between NACETEM, the Federal Ministry of Innovation Science and Technology, and other stakeholders resulted in a policy that was well-received and poised to make a significant impact.

Conclusion

by Jennifer Mutua

AEN’s AELA recognises, elevates and inspires the evidence community – Jennifer Mutua, Kenya

For Jennifer Mutua the path to being recognised as a runner up in the 2018 Africa Evidence Leadership Award (AELA) was not without sacrifice. She is an M&E consultant and founder and former chair of the Evaluation Society of Kenya. To establish and nurture the Society has taken many voluntary hours for which she has “paid a huge personal price in terms of livelihood, amongst others”. But AELA made all the difference, as Jennifer explains:

“It was a turning point for my career. It motivated me so much to continue with my public work. To have been recognised for my many years of hard work has been very rewarding. [The recognition] has put me amongst the top in the continent and that is very special. Many people, including my family could not understand how it is that I am spending so much of my time and not getting anything in terms of money…and yet oftentimes they could see the struggles that come with it [volunteer work]. The [AELA] award was something tangible for my family and peers to show that voluntary work does and can pay. Consciously and unconsciously it has inspired many people to embrace voluntary work… It was very encouraging and inspiring to my professional peers, especially the young evaluators and my siblings.”

Jennifer believes that the AELA might also have indirectly contributed to opening other doors for her – in 2018 she was invited to participate in a Results of All workshop in Nairobi where she asked to give a presentation on her experience of evidence use at a national level and the role of professional networks in evaluation on the continent.

Being a member of the AEN has further broadened her understanding of evidence, as she explains:

“My main capacity is really M&E. The AEN has widened my scope and even when it comes to issues of advocacy I am no longer just focusing narrowly on M&E but evidence-driven economic growth – I now have a better understanding in my own head and in the way I articulate issues.”