The minister was on 3rd February 2012 meeting Makerere University top management and officials from the of College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences  and that of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-security  to discuss how the  university can partner with government to enhance agricultural and livestock development.

Giving an example of the developed countries, the Minister said it is the Scientists who take up government contracts. He decried the low level of awareness about the potential of universities, urging Makerere University to break this gap and improve agricultural productivity.

“We are breaking the myth that academicians are not practical. The university has competent human resources that should engage in research of practical nature, enhance extension service delivery and build capacities to transform society”.

The Minister visited to explore avenues of future collaboration with the University. He acknowledged the importance of science, innovation and technology emphasizing that the trio are government priorities “There is no country that develops without investing in science and technology and government is willing to pay scientists well and invest in research”. He urged university officials to develop proposals and present them to government for funding.

The minister later toured facilities in the two colleges including research laboratories, the Food Technology and Business Incubation Centre, the Food Parlor and the AFRISA Secretariat where he lauded the University for the Job well-done.

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Minister Nyiira pledges government support to Makerere university Innovations

Story by  Marion Alina
Public Relations Office