The Federal Government has highlighted the increasing global demand for individuals, especially youth, equipped with technological knowledge to address pressing global challenges.
Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, emphasized this during the 33rd convocation lecture of the Federal University of Technology (FUTA) in Akure.
Delivering a lecture titled “Knowledge and Research as a Foundation for a Prosperous Economy,” Minister Tijani stressed the need for universities of technology to play a more significant role in responding to the challenges posed by technological advancements in the country. He urged these institutions to actively contribute to job creation through technological innovation.
Addressing the audience, Tijani stated, “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 the university is not to get degrees only; knowledge must be generated and disseminated in a way that can advance the country.”
The Vice Chancellor of FUTA, Prof. Adenike Oladiji, highlighted that the convocation, which began last week, aimed to showcase the institution as a center of knowledge. She expressed joy at bringing the minister to Akure for the first time as part of the activities commemorating the 33rd anniversary.