Science/Technology
According to Wikipedia, ‘Science is a systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about the universe’ while technology is ‘… the sum of techniques, skills, methods, and processes used in the production of goods or services or in the accomplishment of objectives, such as scientific investigation.’ In simple terms, technology is (partly) the application of science. Science and technology play pivotal roles in shaping the strength of world economies and decisions. Countries of the world deliberately set aside giant sums of money to the science/technology sector. The diagram below shows budgets countries set aside for research and development.
What about Africa?! It is a known fact that Africa is behind when it comes to research and development. Though South Africa is one African country blazing the trail on the African continent in its science and technology sector, it is undoubtedly clear that Africa is yet to catch up with the rest of the world in terms of research and development. Howbeit, Uganda is making a statement to the hearing of the African continent with its ‘invention’ of the electricity- and solar-powered Kayoola Solar Bus. Below is the concept and modus operandi behind the Kayoola Solar Bus‘The Kayoola Solar Bus concept represents the next generation of public transport for cities within the region. The first of its kind on the African continent, the Kayoola Solar bus relies on lithium-ion batteries to power an electric motor that is coupled to a 2-speed pneumatic shift transmission. This technology serves to conserve the environment and public health. The telltale signatures of traditional diesel engine buses – plumes of dark smoke blowing out of the tailpipe and a grumbling engine sound — are replaced by a soft whine as soon as the electric bus accelerates.The prototype which is designed to serve as an Executive City bus, is easy for riders to spot, thanks to the pearl white color adorned by the colors of the national flag. Its uncompromising beauty, elegant design and luxurious interior space bring to mind the rich heritage of the Pearl of Africa. The pearl white body, and wide sliding windows give the Kayoola a graceful exterior, with the proprietary design grille complementing the front.The Kayoola Solar Bus will be easier to maintain, in terms of not having to change oil as is done in the diesel-powered buses and not having to repair hydraulic lines that run through a conventional bus. The bus is expected to run 80km, or virtually a full operational day (for example Kampala – Entebbe – Kampala), between recharges.The Kayoola offers a smoother and cleaner ride, experiencing less vibration and less noise as the result of replacement of the usual internal combustion diesel engine with an electric machine. The City will love the Kayoola as it quietly cruises past its noisy polluting competitors.’Source: Kira Motors(http://www.kiiramotors.com/kayoola-solar-bus/)This can be watched on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRA_a2pRLUo.
It should be on record that Uganda was a country who had to endure economic upheaval. Look at the nation today, attempting to set the pace in the automobile industry. It only says one thing: the involvement and co-operation of the government through relevant authorities and technocrats attest to the accomplishment.Taking a look at Nigeria, one will not help but wonder the budgets set aside for science and technology in relation to their implementations to be witnessed by its citizenry.
The Guardian Nigerian Newspaper, dated 28, February 2019, under its science column reports: ‘There is no gainsaying that Nigeria is not just a developing country but also one of the nations with very low human development index (HDI). Reason: poor investment in science and technology (S&T) and research and development (R&D).Little wonder the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology (FMST) with over 17 agencies got a paltry allocation of N66, 823,303,434 in the 2019 Appropriation Bill or rather proposed budget of N8, 826,636, 578,915, which is still with the National Assembly (NASS).’ The former president of the Nigerian Academy of Science and foremost virologist, Professor Oyewale Tomori expressed his disdain about the situation. He told the Guardian, ‘Certainly, this is clear evidence that we are interested in replacing science and technology with magic and prophesy’The bottom line is: there is no ‘communication’ between the science and technology industry and federal government to coming up with concrete policies that would be auspicious to the advancement of the country through investing in science and technology (budgeting sufficient amount of money) and create veritable platforms for creativity, innovation and invention.