Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-02-02 13:56:48
Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, the former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, delivered a compelling speech at the Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) in Ikorodu. He emphasized the vital need for governments at all levels to invest in state-of-the-art technology in order to enhance the country’s capacity to handle security issues and safeguard its population.
During the inaugural founder’s day lecture at LASUSTECH, with the theme “Nation Building Through Innovation, Science, and Technology,” Ogundipe stressed the importance of countries investing in science, innovation, and technology to bolster their defense and security apparatus. He emphasized that defense technology innovation plays a crucial role in improving a country’s capacity to address security issues and protect its citizens. Furthermore, innovation and technology play a significant role in developing effective strategies, technologies, and policies to address evolving security challenges.
Ogundipe highlighted the fact that nations that invest in science, innovation, and technology are often ahead of those that do not invest or invest poorly. Investment in these areas is essential for nation-building, which is now heavily influenced by science, innovation, and technology. He underscored the importance of analysis and intelligence gathering, technology adoption and surveillance, cybersecurity measures, border security and cross-border cooperation, conflict resolution and peace-building, training and skill development, and public awareness and education as critical facets in the contribution of innovation and research to Nigeria’s internal security.
Additionally, Ogundipe noted that innovation, science, and technology are inextricably linked to a country’s overall economic development. He explained that technological advancements and innovation significantly influence a country’s ability to innovate, fostering a direct correlation with economic growth and the emergence of new industries. Furthermore, an investment in technology and innovation not only leads to the creation of highly skilled jobs but also supports ancillary businesses, promoting overall employment and economic diversification.
Beyond economic development, science and technology also have the capacity to significantly impact social progress and inclusivity. Nations can harness the transformative power of innovation to build resilient and prosperous societies by adopting a future-oriented mindset, allocating resources to education and research, and responsibly navigating challenges, affirmed Ogundipe.
Prof. Olumuyiwa Odusanya, the Vice-Chancellor of LASUSTECH, emphasized that the institution’s goal is to become a highly competitive, much sought-after, globally acclaimed, and world-class university. 67 students with a 4.50 CGPA were awarded a 50% scholarship of their tuition fees, and the institution also presented one million naira to the best male and female students from Epe. Prof. Adebisi Balogun, former Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, further contributed to the institution by awarding N75,000 to the best students in each of the five faculties.
Overall, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe’s thought-provoking speech highlighted the urgent need for governments to invest in modern technology and innovation to enhance national security, drive economic growth, and foster social progress and inclusivity. His words underscored the critical role of science, innovation, and technology in building and securing the nation.
