Nigeria needs builders, thinking leaders, not passive observers, says Speaker Abbas
By Tom Okpe
Speaker of the House of Representatives Rep Tajudeen Abbas has stated that Nigeria does not need passive observers but thinkers and builders to drive the country’s growth and development.
Speaker Abbas also said the youth, whom he described as ‘invaluable assets,’ are best positioned to cause positive changes to the country, especially with technological innovations.
The Speaker made this known in a Convocation Lecture he delivered at the Federal University of Technology, FUT, Minna, Niger State on Friday, titled: ‘From Crisis to Prosperity: Harnessing Technology to Drive Nigeria’s Transformation.’
Speaker Abbas, delivered the 14th Convocation Lecture of Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, barely a month ago, after which the University conferred on him Honorary Doctor of Public Administration, Honoris Causa.
READ ALSO: Al-Hikmah Varsity Decorates Speaker with Honorary Doctorate on Public Admin
In a press statement by Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, Friday night, Abbas said he was ‘deeply honoured’ by the invitation to deliver FUT-Minna’s Convocation Lecture.
He said: “In an age characterised by rapid technological advancements that are fundamentally altering economies and societies, it is imperative for Nigeria to seize opportunities for growth and innovation.
“By strategically leveraging technology, the nation can effectively, confront pressing challenges, stimulate economic development, and improve overall quality of life for its citizens.”
He further explained how the strategic adoption and implementation of technological solutions can transition Nigeria from its current crises toward a trajectory of sustainable prosperity.
“In Nigeria, there exists a pervasive belief that University degrees are inherently superior to diplomas from technical polytechnics and colleges. This perception has led to an overwhelming demand for University admissions, often at the expense of technical and vocational education.
“As Africa’s most populous nation and largest economy, Nigeria faces many socioeconomic challenges that hinder its development trajectory. Addressing these issues is crucial for the nation’s progress.
“This lecture focuses on how technology can transform Nigeria from a state of crisis to one of prosperity, offering innovative solutions to longstanding problems.
“Ironically, many University graduates find themselves pursuing vocational skills after graduation, such as hairdressing, makeup artistry, and catering, which could have been more comprehensively, acquired through technical education.
“In contrast, countries like the United Kingdom and Germany have robust technical education systems, where polytechnics and vocational schools are integral to driving industrial innovation. Nigeria must learn from such models by strengthening its technical education sector to meet industry demands,” he said.
The Speaker also decried declining quality of graduates from Nigerian Universities, saying it is a reflection of broader systemic issues, particularly the insufficient number and lack of quality of academic staff.
He stated that Nigeria faces a significant shortage of qualified lecturers, with the lecturer-to-student ratio far exceeding global standards.
“This overcrowding, severely limits the ability of lecturers to provide personalised attention and quality instruction, undermining learning experience for students.
“Compounding these challenges is the commercialisation of education, which has led to unethical practices such as exchanging grades for money or sexual favours. These practices not only tarnish integrity of academic institutions but, erode public trust in the quality of education being delivered.
“The consequences of these systemic issues are evident in the poor performance of Nigerian Universities in global rankings,” he asserted.
To address these challenges, the Speaker said there was an urgent need for targeted interventions, including increased funding for higher education, improved remuneration for academic staff, and expanded opportunities for professional development.
He stayed that stricter enforcement of ethical standards and implementation of transparent evaluation systems could help, curb academic corruption and restore, integrity of Nigerian Universities.
“Nigerian Universities face chronic underfunding, which has severely impacted infrastructure, research capabilities, and overall educational quality.
“While the expansion of Universities aims to increase access to higher education, it often leads to stretched resources and diminished quality.
“A more strategic approach would focus on enhancing existing institutions through improved funding and resource allocation, drawing lessons from successful funding models employed by Universities, globally and within Africa.”
While noting that globally, Universities adopt diverse funding models that reduce reliance on government allocations, the Speaker said Nigerian Universities must rise to this challenge by envisioning and developing a ‘Nigerian Innovation Corridor’ that fosters collaboration between academia, industry, and Government.
“Nigeria youths represent an invaluable assets to the nation. They exemplify qualities of intelligence, resilience, and a strong inclination towards innovation, particularly in the realm of technology. It is essential to leverage digital tools for personal development and entrepreneurial ventures.
“Young Nigerians are encouraged to utilise online learning platforms, engage in coding boot camps, and participate actively in technology communities to enhance their skills and entrepreneurial capabilities.
“The imperative for youth engagement is more pressing than ever, particularly in a rapidly evolving global economy, driven by technology and innovation.
“The Nigerian Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has demonstrated its commitment to fostering an environment that supports young innovators through various initiatives.
“These initiatives aim to promote technological advancement by implementing policies that facilitate access to funding, mentorship programs, and platforms that stimulate innovation and entrepreneurship.”
By prioritising youth engagement and increasing funding for technology and innovation, Speaker Abbas said the Nigerian Government is laying foundation for a more inclusive and dynamic economy adding that; “These initiatives empower young Nigerians to harness their creative potentials and position the country as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship in Africa,” he added.
