NITDA advocates disruptive transformational innovations for sustainable development in Nigeria

*Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, challenges the academia, industry leaders, and policymakers to embrace and activate disruptive, transformational innovations as a veritable tech tool to address Nigeria’s challenges and unlock its huge potential

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

Nigeria’s National Information Technology Development Agency urged the academia, industry leaders, and policymakers to embrace disruptive transformational innovations as a veritable tech tool to address the West African country’s challenges and unlock its immense potential.

ConsumerConnect reports the Information Technology (IT) sector regulatory agency said Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of NITDA, restated the critical role of innovations in driving Nigeria’s sustainable development, economic diversification, and global competitiveness.

Inuwa noted this in his keynote address at the 8th Annual Research Fair and Exhibition of Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), in Nasarawa State.

Represented at the event by Engr Ya’u Garba, Deputy Director of eGovernment and Digital Economy Development Department of NITDA, the Director-General urged the academia, industry leaders, and policymakers to embrace disruptive transformational innovation to resolve Nigeria’s mulitivarous challenges, and unlock its immense potential.

On Nigeria’s pursuit of knowledge-driven solutions

The NITDA Chief Executive, who spoke on the theme, “Disruptive Transformational Innovation; Shaping the Future,” also commended NSUK for organising an event that aligns with Nigeria’s pursuit of growth through knowledge-driven solutions.

Inuwa equally applauded the University’s increasing focus on transformation.

Such initiatives reflect an understanding of the need for impactful innovations to address real-world issues, stated he.

He further emphasised while inventions remain a cornerstone of academic inquiry, their significance lies in their ability to move beyond theoretical exploration to become practical innovations.

The power of innovations to reshape industries, accelerate national progress

The Director-General as well explained these innovations have the power to reshape industries, tackle societal challenges, and accelerate national progress.

Inuwa, therefore, urged institutions to prioritise creativity and bold thinking towards ensuring that research outputs translate into tangible benefits for the good of society.

Explaining the concept of disruptive transformational innovations, he described it as a profound force capable of altering established systems, processes, and products in ways that redefine societal functions.

According to NITDA Chief, unlike incremental innovations, which focus on improving existing frameworks, disruptive innovations introduce entirely new paradigms while addressing challenges in groundbreaking and previously unimaginable ways.

Inuwa also referenced historical examples, such as the Printing Press, the Steam Engine, and Electricity, which have significantly transformed human existence, and set the foundation for modern development.

He affirmed that Nigeria’s abundant human and natural resources present a unique opportunity to harness innovations for sustainable development in the West African country.

Evolving ecosystem that fosters homegrown innovations, by Inuwa

In a bid to record inclusive growth, Inuwa advocated a collaborative approach involving academia, industries, and government to build an environment that nurtures creativity, supports bold investments, and encourages inclusive growth.

He stressed that such an ecosystem is vital for fostering homegrown innovations that could propel Nigeria to the forefront of global technological and economic advancements.

The Director-General of NITDA, in his address, highlighted the agency’s dedication to fostering innovation through various initiatives.

According to him, such transformative initiatives include the National Adopted Village for Smart Agriculture (NAVSA) to digitally transform the agricultural sector; the National Blockchain Adoption Strategy to enhance digital trust and transparency; and the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (NAIS), aimed at building a robust AI ecosystem in the country.

He noted these are part of “other impactful projects” in the Federal Government’s broader strategy to position Nigeria as a leader in the global knowledge economy.

Of empowerment of University system for impactful contribution to national development

Inuwa, in his presentation, emphasised  the need to empower the University community to contribute significantly to national development.

He also urged NSUK to deepen its commitment to innovations by establishing hubs that support facility-led startups, fostering collaborations with industry stakeholders, and equipping students with essential technological skills.

Such efforts, he stated, not only empower the Nigerian University system but also contribute significantly to national development.

The Chief Executive of NITDA expressed confidence in the country’s ability to not only adopt global innovations but also create groundbreaking solutions that could influence the trajectory of Africa and the world.

Inuwa urged all stakeholders in Nigeria to embrace the transformative power of innovations towards driving sustainable development, economic diversification, and global relevance.