The Federal Government says the world is in need of individuals, especially the youth, who possess technological expertise to tackle current global challenges.
Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, made this declaration during the 33rd convocation lecture at the Federal University of Technology (FUTA) in Akure.
The minister emphasized that to foster the country’s development, it is crucial to identify and enhance three key sectors—agriculture, manufacturing, and servicing— which have served as benchmarks for measuring Gross Domestic Product since 1980.
The minister, whose lecture was tagged “Knowledge and research as a foundation for a prosperous economy” urged technology-focused universities to meet the challenges of technological advancement, emphasizing their role in job creation through innovation.
Tijani stressed the role of universities as job creators through technological progress, urging students to actively pursue self-investment.
“With the level of water body we have, fishery is not growing; we depend on the importation of fish.
“Financial institutions have done very well, but not as we expected them to have grown.
“We are not applying knowledge and innovation; we are expecting to fish like our forefathers did in the last few years.
“Forestry is suffering the same thing; Coming to university is not to get degrees only; knowledge must be generated and disseminated in a way that can advance the country,” he said.
Earlier, Prof. Adenike Oladiji, the Vice Chancellor of FUTA, noted that the event commenced last week, and inviting the minister was a planned activity to celebrate the 33rd anniversary.
Oladiji stated that the convocation served as a platform to present the school as a center of knowledge, expressing delight in hosting the minister for the first time in Akure. (NAN)
Kanyi Daily recalls that the Federal Government had urged Nigerians to consider bicycles as an alternative means of commuting, aiming to promote a cleaner environment and healthier lifestyle for the populace.