To achieve technological advancement through advocacy in Nigeria, there is a need to promote technological literacy, by encouraging early education of our children in science and technology.
Emphasis should be paid on how people can use their knowledge to create and innovate Computer-Based systems that address the needs of individuals and the society by prioritising practical technological skills over paper qualifications and social ties.
These were the submission of the wife of Ondo state governor, Arabirin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu at the occasion of Advocacy for Nigeria Technological Advancement programme organised by the National Association of Polytechnic Students today.
Speaking on “Actualising Technological Advancement in Nigeria Through Advocacy: The Task Ahead”, at Rufus Giwa Polytechnic Owo where the event was held, Mrs. Akeredolu emphasised the need to patronise standardized locally made goods and Practitioners.
She berated the slow progress that Nigeria records technological after 58 years of independence, attributing it to lack of sustainable technology transfer, poor ICT education, low internet bandwidth, and the gender gap in the equal opportunities in the technology-driven sector of the economy.
” It is clear that the world has gradually shifted to a technology-related age and we cannot afford to be left behind.
“It therefore behoves on us as a country and as a people to seek to come to par with modern-day advancements in technology and technology-related ventures. One way to actual this is through advocacy”, she said
Mrs. Akeredolu therefore commended NAPS for the initiative to champion campaign for Technological Advancement, saying it shows that the students are moving along with the Technological realities of the 21st century.
According to her, the Technological-driven efforts of the current administration in Ondo state through the implementation of State Integrated Financial Management and Information System, SIFMIS, and the establishment of Akure Tech Hub are aimed at promoting good governance through technological transformation.
She added that her passion for girl-child development gave birth to the Summer BEMORE training programme to promote gender equality and empowerment through Technological and life-changing skills.
“It may interest you to know that the annual BEMORE Summer Bootcamp for Girls Naija has trained over 700 young girls in Solar Technology, computing, coding, leadership and homemaking skills”, she said.
The Acting Rector of the institution, Mr Adebola Ogundahunsi analysed the connection between technology and job creation, noting that advancement of any country depends on the level of technology attained and utilized by such country.
“More importantly is the fact that when a technology is indigenous to a country, it makes it more secure. When we brave the audacity to adopt an alien technology, the bottom line at the end of the day is essentially to stimulate growth. ”
He therefore lauded the efforts of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for his various developmental projects across the State.
The NAP National Director of Sports, Comrade Joseph Temitope thanked Mrs. Akeredolu for her support, and explained that the programme was designed to enlighten Nigeria students on self employment skills as tools for new Nigeria.
His words: “To educate student leaders and students populace of the role of technology in capacity building for National and International development.
“To establish the possible ways of solving the identified problems with Nigeria technology without rancor or blames on economical, favoritism, political division among others.”
A National Outstanding Humanitarian award was however bestowed on Mrs. Akeredolu by the association in recognition of her contribution to human capacity development.
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