Engineers rue low technology development in Nigeria

By Olubunmi Adeniyi

June 22, 2012: The Nigerian Academy of Engineering has emphasized the need for the Federal Government to explore the benefits of Science and Technology to fast track the realisation of the vision 2020:20 economic agenda.

Speaking yesterday at the Investiture ceremony of the 7th President of the Academy at the Main Auditorium, University of Lagos, the former President of the Academy, Sikiru Sanni says the “language” of the new age is technology while innovation while the ”grammar” is science.

Sanni who spoke on the topic: Management of Science Technology and Innovation: Change and Effectiveness” says that without science and technology, groundbreaking economic breakthrough is not achievable.

He notes that realizing the economic goals requires the country to have a world class research and people.

According to him, economic growth can no longer be attained by taking resources away from technology or innovation while adding that science depends on the investment of individuals.

Innovation depends on entrepreneurs, teachers, financials, technicians as well as researchers; he says noting that in Nigeria, investments in Science and Technology has been lukewarm, inefficient and badly managed.

Sanni calls for concerted efforts in promoting technology growth in the country, describing Nigeria as a follow-up country which should be leading others, at the event which also saw the induction of 10 new Fellows into the Academy.

The Academy’s investiture witnessed a retired Professor at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Ayodele Ogunye becoming the seventh president.

In his address, the immediate past President of the Academy, Edet Amana says the country cannot grow without due focus and attention on the technology development in the country.

Amana disapproves of the recommendation of Oronsaye’s report especially on the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector, saying the implementation of such would take Nigeria backward.

In recognition of their contribution to the Nigeria ICT industry, the Chief Executive Officer, National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP), Umar Bindir and Managing Partner, Teclecom Answers Associates/Founder, Cyberschuul, Titi Omo-Ettu were among the new Fellows of the Academy.

The Nigerian Academy of Engineering was incorporated as a private company limited by guarantee in September 1997 for the purpose of promoting excellence in technological and engineering training and practice to ensure the technological growth and economic development of Nigeria. It is a non-profit and non-governmental organisation.