FG Pledges Support for The Upcoming AUST-STICOMMS 2025 Conference
Key members of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the first National Conference on Science, Technology, and Innovation Communication (STICOMMS 2025) paid a courtesy visit today to the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Hon. Geoffrey Uche Nnaji.
The team was led by the President of the African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abuja, Prof. Azikiwe Peter Onwualu, FAS.
The visit was at securing the Ministry’s endorsement and participation in the STICOMMS 2025 conference, which is scheduled to take place from October 21 to 23, 2025, at AUST.
The event is designed to enhance national development by promoting the effective communication of science, technology, and innovation.
During the meeting, Prof. Onwualu outlined key areas for collaboration. These include an official endorsement by the Honourable Minister and the delivery of a keynote address at the conference’s opening session.
He emphasized the strategic importance of having the Ministry's leadership set the tone for the event, particularly in highlighting the role of clear, accessible communication in advancing national STI goals.
The presence of the Minister, he noted, would signal strong government commitment and encourage wide stakeholders participation from academia, industry, and the public sector.
The LOC also requested the Ministry’s support in nominating and sponsoring key staff to participate in the conference, citing the benefits of professional development and inter-agency knowledge sharing.
According to the organisers, the event will serve as a vital learning platform where government officials, researchers, and communicators can engage in dialogues aimed at improving the public understanding of science and fostering trust in innovation.
Sponsorship of Ministry staff would not only reflect institutional buy-in but also help strengthen the STI communication ecosystem across government levels.
Further, the team sought the active involvement of all 17 agencies under the Ministry’s purview, proposing a dedicated exhibition space where each agency could showcase ongoing projects, groundbreaking innovations, and communication strategies.
The STICOMMS 2025 LOC believes that such participation would enrich the conference’s content, inspire collaboration, and offer a holistic view of the ministry’s contributions to national development.
By encouraging agency-led presentations and panel discussions, the organisers aim to create an inclusive and engaging environment for attendees.
Finally, the LOC proposed that the Ministry’s milestones and achievements be prominently featured in the official conference programme and documentation. This, they suggested, would not only highlight the Ministry's pivotal role in advancing STI in Nigeria but also provide a narrative framework for evaluating progress and identifying future priorities.
Both parties expressed optimism about building a strong partnership that would position STICOMMS 2025 as a landmark event in Nigeria’s journey toward a knowledge-driven economy driven by effective science communication.
In his response, the Honorable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, thanked the AUST President and his entourage and promised the support of the government in actualizing the goals this conference.
He charged the organizers to ensure all stakeholders are involved in the conference as this in his words will mark a remarkable change in the communication of Science, Technology and Innovation in Nigeria.
The President was accompanied on the visit by Dr. Bosco Okolo-Obi, Chairman, STICOMMS 2025 Local Organizing Committee; Mr. Bonny Alaneme , Secretary of the LOC; Prince Obioha Sampson Atulomah, Chairman, Publicity Sub Committee of STICOMMS, Mr. Kingsley Madu, member LOC; Mr. Augustine Akubor; Member, LOC and Mr. Chidiebere Uchendu, Media Assistant, AUST.