innovation key to Nigeria’s development says Abiru

Mukhail Abiru (APC Lagos-East) Chairman, Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions, says that innovation is key in the quest for Nigeria’s development.

Abiru gave the advice at the Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) research fair on Wednesday in Ikorodu.

The event has as its theme: “Rebuilding Nigeria’s Research and University System in a Fast-Changing Global Environment.

Abiru, who was the special guest of honour at the maiden research fair advocated a radical transformation of research and innovation approach in the nation’s university system to keep pace with global technological change.

The lawmaker said that innovation-driven education remained central to national competitiveness.

“Nigeria must re-imagine, re-engineer and reinvigorate” its research culture if it hopes to remain relevant in a world shaped by artificial intelligence.

“We must pay special attention to biotechnology, renewable energy, digital finance, and other emerging technologies,” he said.

He underscored the need for universities to become engines of economic growth through knowledge enterprise and industry-aligned innovation.

Abiru, who is the co-founder of (Senator Adetokunbo Innovation Lab (SAIL) Empowerment Foundation, commended LASUSTECH for convening the fair that sought to deepen collaboration between academia and industry.

The lawmaker said the idea reflected successful global models such as Silicon Valley, Germany’s research and industry synergy as well as South Korea’s university government and industry partnership.

According to him, SAIL Innovation Lab, Ikorodu, Lagos, had demonstrates the transformative power of equipping young Nigerians with digital, technology and entrepreneurial skills.

“Many of our youths are now software engineers, product designers, data scientists and startup founders making their mark nationally and internationally.

“SAIL Innovation lab has proved that Nigerian youths will excel when given the right platform,” he said.

He commended LASUSTECH for building similar structures that expand pathways for students to turn research into real-world solutions, from food security to urbanisation, energy, health, transportation, and digital transformation.

Abiru, reaffirmed his commitment to championing legislations that strengthen research ecosystems, supports innovation-driven entrepreneurship, expand funding access for startups promote digital transformation and enhance university research capacity.

“Nigeria can innovate and build research-driven industries but require academia, industry and government working collaboratively and intentionally,” he said.

In their remarks, Prof. Olumuyiwa Odusanya, LASUSTECH Vice-Chancellor, and Mr Francis Meshioye, President, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), charged participants to explore vast opportunities in innovation. (NAN)www.nannews.ng