Convocation Lecture: Nigerians urged to be destination for innovation, not consumer
By Our Reporter
Deltans and by extension Nigerians have been charged to make Nigeria a destination for innovation and not just a consumer of innovations.
The Guest Speaker at the 2nd combined convocation lecture of the Delta State Polytechnic Otefe-Oghara, Professor Chux Gervase Iwu of the University of the Western Cape, South Africa gave this charge while giving an elaborate lecture on the topic ”Taking Nigeria to the world and the world to Nigeria through technology and innovation education in the Era of digitization and Artificial Intelligence’ during the 2nd combined convocation lecture of the Delta State Polytechnic Otefe-Oghara.
Professor Iwu underscored the urgent need for Nigeria to strengthen its infrastructure as a foundation for digital transformation.
The Guest Speaker who is a Nigerian, a South African, a Briton, and an entrepreneur, said Nigerians must create an enabling system where a breakthrough in Germany or a breakthrough in Japan would no longer be a distance news but a spring goal for innovation here in Nigeria, there by reforming the educational system, updating policies, investing infrastructure and fostering an environment where ideas flows and businesses strives.
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He noted that by bringing the world to Nigeria means harnessing global best practice research and technological breakthroughs.
While encouraging the graduating students to work hard to take Nigeria to the world as taking Nigeria to the world was solely on them who are the younger generation, Iwu urged those in Government to create an enabling environment that would discourage the “Japa syndrome ‘.
He noted that Nigeria students enhances national connection by introducing innovative concept, promoting creativity and overcoming gaps.
In his address, the Rector, Delta State Plytechnic Otefe-Oghara Prof. Emmanuel Ufuophu-Biri, highlighted the importance of the lecture, deliberating on the significance of digitization in the current Nigeria system.
The lecture which was held at the Chief James Onanefe Ibori auditorium at the institution in Oghara headquarters of Ethiope West Local school Government Area of Delta State, witnessed dignitaries from within and outside the State giving goodwill messages and applauding the Rector of the institution for breaking records in ensuring the 2nd combined convocation became a reality, commending him for his developmental strides since he assumed office as the Rector of the institution.
Present at the lecture were the Chairman, House Committee on Education, Hon. Charles Emetulu, the Delta State Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof Nyerohvwo Tonukari, the Vice Chancellor of the Delta State University Agbor, Prof Stella Chiamaka, the Chairman, Governing Council, Delta State Polytechnic Otefe-Oghara, Chief Andrew Orugbo among others.
