The Director-General of the National Centre for Technology Management (NACETEM), Dr. Olushola Odusanya, has assured the public that the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology is functioning efficiently despite the absence of a minister.
His comments come in the wake of the resignation of the former minister, Chief Uche Nnaji, who stepped down following a certificate scandal.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja, Odusanya noted that the ministry continues to operate without disruption, crediting the strength of existing institutional structures and leadership within the civil service.
“In public service, we have both political and system leadership. While political leaders drive government’s agenda, core public servants and agencies ensure continuity,” he explained.
He pointed out that parastatals under the ministry function semi-autonomously, allowing them to maintain operations regardless of changes in political leadership.
“For the two years Chief Uche served, he focused on advancing the President’s eight-point agenda,” Odusanya said. “Now, as we await a new minister, the ministry’s policies, structures, and operations remain fully in motion.”
The NACETEM boss emphasized that nothing has been disrupted in the ministry since Nnaji’s departure, thanks to well-established systems already in place.
Still, he acknowledged that having a political head provides strategic direction and momentum.
“While the ministry continues to function, a new minister would bring renewed leadership and further drive national innovation goals,” he added.
