By Saminu Ibrahim
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has called for a fundamental shift in Nigeria’s education system from an emphasis on academic certificates to practical skills, innovation and the ability to translate knowledge into solutions for national development.
The Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, made the call while delivering the keynote address at the third International Biennial Conference of the College of Physical Sciences (COLPHYS 2026) at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Ogun State.
Inuwa, who was represented by the Director of the agency’s Special Duties Department, Dr Aristotle Onumo, said Nigeria’s economic transformation would depend on its ability to convert scientific research into productive enterprises, innovative solutions and improved public services.
Speaking on the theme, “From Scientific Discovery to National Prosperity: Harnessing Artificial Intelligence and Convergent Innovation to Transform Nigeria,” he urged universities to embrace multidisciplinary research, emerging technologies and practical problem-solving.
He said the country’s development should not be measured solely by the volume of research or academic publications produced, but by how effectively scientific discoveries translate into productivity, innovation and improved living standards.
“The future of our country will not be determined simply by how much research we produce. It will be determined by how effectively we convert research into productivity, innovation, enterprise and national prosperity,” he said.
The NITDA chief highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in bringing together disciplines such as agriculture, healthcare, environmental science, mathematics, engineering and data science to address complex national challenges.
He stressed that AI should complement human expertise and enhance scientific discovery rather than replace researchers or undermine human judgment.
“AI does not replace science. It amplifies science,” he said.
Using agriculture as an example, Inuwa explained that integrating agricultural science, satellite imagery, climate modelling, Internet of Things sensors and AI could help farmers improve planting decisions, detect crop diseases, optimise irrigation, reduce waste and access better market information.
He, however, cautioned that technological solutions must reflect Nigeria’s realities, including local languages, affordability, limited internet connectivity and the specific needs of intended users.
He also identified opportunities for AI applications in healthcare and climate resilience, including disease surveillance, clinical decision support, flood-risk prediction and early-warning systems.
According to him, such technologies must be deployed responsibly, with adequate safeguards for data privacy, accountability, fairness and public trust.
Inuwa reaffirmed NITDA’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s digital transformation through digital literacy, talent development, digital infrastructure, innovation and responsible technology adoption.
He cited the agency’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan 2.0, National Digital Literacy Framework, Digital Literacy for All initiative and the 3 Million Technical Talent programme as key interventions aimed at equipping Nigerians with the skills required for a technology-driven economy.
He also stressed the need for reliable electricity, quality datasets, adequate computing resources, secure cloud environments and improved connectivity to enable Nigerian research institutions to compete effectively and develop locally relevant innovations.
The director-general called for stronger partnerships among government, universities, industries, investors and entrepreneurs to facilitate the validation, commercialisation and large-scale deployment of research discoveries.
Addressing higher education institutions, he urged universities to redefine academic success by prioritising research impact, entrepreneurship, collaborative problem-solving and the development of graduates capable of creating jobs rather than merely seeking employment.
“The university of the future cannot remain merely a place where knowledge is transmitted, and certificates are awarded. It must become a place where problems are investigated, solutions are developed, enterprises are created, and society is transformed,” he said.
He encouraged universities to strengthen technology transfer mechanisms, establish effective research-industry partnerships, expand entrepreneurship education and connect innovation hubs to market and community needs.
He also challenged researchers to move beyond academic publications by developing working prototypes, testing solutions in real-life settings and producing sustainable products and services that address national challenges.
Inuwa told students that while academic qualifications remained important, they must be complemented by digital and AI literacy, critical thinking, communication, teamwork, ethical judgment and practical problem-solving skills.
“Your certificate may open the door, but your capability will determine how far you go,” he said.
He urged students to use emerging technologies to investigate difficult questions, explore new possibilities and develop solutions to problems affecting their communities.
As part of efforts to translate the conference’s deliberations into measurable outcomes, Inuwa proposed a 12-month innovation agenda for FUNAAB’s College of Physical Sciences and its partners.
Under the proposal, the college is expected to identify selected high-impact national challenges within 90 days, establish collaborative research teams and begin developing prototypes within six months, test promising solutions with communities and industry partners within nine months, and organise a research-to-impact showcase within 12 months.
He said the initiative should be assessed through tangible results, including validated prototypes, effective partnerships, commercialisation opportunities and measurable societal benefits, rather than speeches and presentations alone.
The NITDA chief also expressed the agency’s readiness to explore structured partnerships with academic and research institutions in areas aligned with its mandate, particularly digital skills, responsible AI, indigenous innovation and practical applications of emerging technologies.
He urged researchers, university leaders and students to focus on the problems their research could solve, the lives their innovations could improve and the benefits Nigeria could derive from translating knowledge into action.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of FUNAAB, Professor Olusola Babatunde, represented by the Dean of the College of Environmental Resources Management, Professor Olusegun Oguntoke, commended NITDA for its contributions to digital transformation in Nigeria.
Babatunde also appealed for the establishment of an Information Technology hub at the university to strengthen its digital capacity, support research and innovation, and provide students and researchers with an enabling environment to develop practical technology-driven solutions.
