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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 a certificate-driven economy to one that prioritises practical skills, innovation and the ability to translate knowledge into solutions that drive national development.
Inuwa made the 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.
The DG, who was represented by NITDA’s Director of Special Duties, Dr Aristotle Onumo, spoke on the theme, “From Scientific Discovery to National Prosperity: Harnessing Artificial Intelligence and Convergent Innovation to Transform Nigeria.”
He said Nigeria’s development would depend not only on the volume of scientific research and academic publications but also on the country’s capacity to translate research findings 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 said.
Inuwa emphasised the need for universities to break down traditional academic boundaries and embrace multidisciplinary research, emerging technologies and practical problem-solving.
He identified artificial intelligence (AI) as a major enabler of collaboration across agriculture, healthcare, environmental science, mathematics, engineering and data science, noting that the technology could accelerate scientific discovery and help address complex national challenges.
“AI does not replace science. It amplifies science,” he said, stressing that technological advancement should complement human expertise rather than diminish the importance of human judgment.
Using agriculture as an example, the NITDA boss explained that combining agricultural science, satellite imagery, climate modelling, Internet of Things sensors and AI could help farmers improve planting decisions, detect crop diseases, optimise irrigation, reduce waste and access better market information.
He also identified opportunities for AI-driven solutions in healthcare and climate resilience, including disease surveillance, clinical decision support, flood-risk prediction and early-warning systems.
However, he cautioned that technology solutions must reflect Nigeria’s realities, including local languages, affordability, limited internet connectivity and the needs of intended users. He added that responsible AI adoption must be supported by safeguards for data privacy, fairness, accountability and public trust.
The DG reaffirmed NITDA’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s digital transformation ecosystem through digital literacy, talent development, infrastructure, innovation and responsible technology adoption.
He cited the agency’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan 2.0, the National Digital Literacy Framework, the Digital Literacy for All initiative and the 3 Million Technical Talent programme as key interventions designed to develop the skills required for a technology-driven economy.
Inuwa also called for increased investment in reliable connectivity and research infrastructure, including computing resources, quality datasets, secure cloud environments and dependable electricity.
He urged stronger partnerships among government, universities, industry, investors and entrepreneurs to facilitate the validation, commercialisation and large-scale deployment of research innovations.
Addressing higher education institutions, he challenged universities to redefine academic success by prioritising research impact, collaborative problem-solving, entrepreneurship and graduates’ capacity to create employment opportunities.
“The university of the future cannot remain merely a place where knowledge is transmitted, and certificates are awarded. It must become a place where problems are investigated, solutions are developed, enterprises are created, and society is transformed,” he said.
He encouraged universities to strengthen technology transfer mechanisms, establish effective industry partnerships, expand entrepreneurship education and align innovation hubs with market and community needs.
Inuwa further urged researchers to take their discoveries beyond academic publications by developing working prototypes, testing solutions in real-world environments and creating sustainable products and services.
He told students that although academic qualifications remained important, they must be complemented by digital and AI literacy, critical thinking, communication, teamwork, ethical judgment and practical problem-solving skills.
“Your certificate may open the door, but your capability will determine how far you go,” he said, urging students to use emerging technologies to investigate difficult questions and develop solutions to challenges affecting their communities.
As part of efforts to translate the conference’s deliberations into measurable outcomes, the DG proposed a 12-month innovation agenda for FUNAAB’s College of Physical Sciences and its partners.
Under the proposal, the college would identify priority national challenges within 90 days, establish collaborative research teams and begin developing prototypes within six months, test promising solutions with communities and industry partners within nine months, and organise a research-to-impact showcase within one year.
He said progress should be measured through validated prototypes, effective partnerships, commercialisation opportunities and tangible societal benefits rather than speeches and presentations.
Inuwa also expressed NITDA’s readiness to explore structured collaborations with academic and research institutions in areas aligned with its mandate, particularly digital skills, responsible AI, indigenous innovation and practical applications of emerging technologies.
He stressed that successful partnerships must be built around clearly defined problems and credible implementation plans.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of FUNAAB, Professor Olusola Babatunde, represented by the Dean of the College of Environmental Resources Management, Professor Olusegun Oguntoke, commended NITDA for its contributions to Nigeria’s digital transformation.
Babatunde also appealed for the establishment of an information technology hub at the university, noting that the facility would strengthen the institution’s digital capacity, support research and innovation, and provide students and researchers with an enabling environment to develop practical technology-driven solutions.
