The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa has called for a fundamental shift in Nigeria’s education system from an economy that places primary emphasis on academic certificates to one that prioritises practical capabilities, innovation, and the ability to translate knowledge into solutions that drive national development.
The DG, who was represented by the agency’s Director of the Special Duties Department, Dr Aristotle Onumo, made this call while delivering the keynote address at the 3rd International Biennial Conference of the College of Physical Sciences (COLPHYS 2026) at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Ogun State.
Speaking on the theme, “From Scientific Discovery to National Prosperity: Harnessing Artificial Intelligence and Convergent Innovation to Transform Nigeria,” he emphasised the need for universities to move beyond the traditional boundaries of academic disciplines and embrace collaborative research, emerging technologies, and practical problem-solving.
Addressing the university community, researchers, scientists, entrepreneurs, and students, Inuwa noted that Nigeria’s development would depend not merely on the volume of research produced or the number of academic publications generated, but on the country’s ability to convert scientific knowledge into productive enterprises, innovative solutions, improved public services, and better livelihoods.
“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 stated.
He explained that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly enabling convergence across disciplines such as agriculture, healthcare, environmental science, mathematics, engineering, and data science, creating opportunities to address complex national challenges through multidisciplinary collaboration.
According to him, AI should complement human expertise and strengthen scientific discovery rather than replace researchers or diminish the importance of human judgment.
While stressing that the real value of technological advancement lies in its practical application to improve human lives, the DG said, “AI does not replace science. It amplifies science.”
Earlier in his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor of FUNAAB, Professor Olusola Babatunde, who was represented at the event by the Dean of the College of Environmental Resources Management (COLERM), Professor Olusegun Oguntoke, applauded NITDA for its remarkable contribution to the advancement of digital transformation in the country and appealed for the establishment of an Information Technology (IT) Hub at the university.
He emphasised the importance of such a facility in strengthening the institution’s digital capacity, supporting research and innovation, and providing an enabling environment for students and researchers to develop practical technology-driven solutions.
