The Chairman, Alhaji Abu Nmodu, made the call during a visit by officials of the union to the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of SEDI, Prof. Baba Ndaliman, in Minna on Wednesday.
Nmodu said adequate funding of such institutes was necessary because of the role being played by science and technology in the advancement of nations.
He advised the management of the institute to partner with NUJ to guarantee effective publicity of its activities.
The chairman called on SEDI to assist the union by providing the council`s office in the state with Solar Power Panels, and training of journalists on ICT to enhance their performance.
Responding, Ndaliman assured the union that its members will be captured in its maiden ICT training, while the council office would be provided with a solar power system.
He said that plans were on to train youths, women and people living with disabilities in 10 different skills.
Ndaliman said that SEDI had carried out corporate social responsibility for the host communities to improve their standard of living, and also enhance their education and health facilities.
He said the institute was established in 1992 with the mandate to carry out research on products used by schools, hospitals and industries.
The managing director said that the institute have trained people in glassblowing, woodwork, welding, fabrication and ceramics.
