FG grants N5m to young innovators of Marist College Yangoji Abuja

The Federal Government through the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (FMST) has granted the sum of five Million naira, to students of Marist College Yangoji Abuja, for inventing the Sensebox and Aquabot device, which are monitoring devices for air and water pollution.

According to a statement from FMST press office, which was signed by Irondi. C. Ifeoma, yesterday the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu in made this disclosure, in his office in Abuja.

The Minister said that with the feat achieved by the students, Nigeria is well positioned to become a hub for creativity.

He noted that Nigeria will meet all her needs, rely less on import and create wealth for the nation once becoming a creativity hub.

On intellectual property protection, the minister said that the Ministry will patent the key innovation through one of its agencies; the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP).

He hinted that the patenting will come at no cost to the school.

Onu urged parents to motivate their children, and make sure they inculcate values of hardwork, respect and commitment which is the foundation of every child.

He called on the students, to fly the Nigerian flag high at the upcoming virtual Students for Advancement of Global Entrepreneurship (SAGE) competition on the 13th of August this year.

Earlier the President/CEO of the research team for Aquabot, Mabocha Sharon who is a SS3 student of Marist College said they are seeking the support of the Ministry to patent their innovation.

Sharon also added that they need financial support to help develop their innovation, build science laboratory that could benefit other students.