Nigeria’s top scientists are giving the government a wake-up call. At the launch of a new book by Dr. Kenny Acholonu, titled “Who Will Give You the Technology?”, these experts stressed that prioritizing research and development (R&D) and science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education is the key to unlocking Nigeria’s economic potential and fighting poverty.
The message is clear: Nigeria needs to stop relying on others for its technology. Experts like Majek Owoo pointed out that a whopping 70% of the materials used in Nigerian manufacturing come from outside the country. Investing in R&D, he argued, would allow Nigeria to create its own solutions, boost profits, and finally ditch its dependence on imports.
Brian Hammond, another leading scientist, hammered home the point. “There’s no such thing as a successful country that doesn’t invest in R&D,” he declared. His suggestion? Government funding for university research. This, he believes, would lead to a stronger economy in the long run, with a higher GDP per capita and more jobs for young Nigerians. Hammond urged the government to put more money towards R&D, especially in education.
Dr. Acholonu, the book’s author, chimed in to emphasize the tight link between science and technology and a thriving economy. He pointed to developed nations that have made STEM education and R&D a top priority as a major reason for their success. Acholonu urged the government to take the African Union’s recommendation seriously: allocate 1% of the national budget to R&D and STEM education.
By investing in its own scientific brainpower, Nigeria can develop its own solutions, become less reliant on imports, and finally unlock its full economic potential.
