ABU Expresses Readiness To Partner Science Ministry On Silicon Valley Project

Agency Report

Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria has affirmed its readiness to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology for research and development in indigenous Silicon technology.

The Vice Chancellor, ABU, Prof. Ibrahim Garba made this known on Tuesday in Abuja when a team from the university visited the Minister of Science and Technology, Ogbonnaya Onu, in his office.

According to him, the university has put in place a multidisciplinary committee aimed at meeting the laudable objective and has equally 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 betweent 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.

“ We are very happy to receive your delegation discussing silicon chips and also finding a way to help our nation develop indigenous technology,“ the minister added. (NAN)