•Tasks FUTO on innovation, entrepreneurship and national development during 38th convocation lecture

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has challenged Nigerian universities of science and technology, particularly the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), to take the lead in preparing the country for the Fourth Industrial Revolution or risk condemning future generations to economic irrelevance.

In fact, he warned that failure to do so could undermine the nation’s future economic competitiveness and technological advancement.

Delivering the 38th Convocation Lecture at FUTO on Thursday, June 4, 2026, Uzodimma said Nigeria and Africa missed the first three industrial revolutions and could not afford to miss the current technology-driven transformation powered by artificial intelligence, robotics, biotechnology and digital innovation.

His lecture, entitled, “Nigerian Universities of Technology Must Lead in the Fourth Industrial Revolution or Jeopardize the Nation’s Future,” formed one of the major highlights of the institution’s 38th convocation activities.

The Governor’s postulations came at a time many countries around the world are embracing emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, automation, machine learning, the Internet of Things (IoT), big data analytics and advanced manufacturing systems to transform their economies, and impact national development.

Uzodimma specifically tasked FUTO on innovation, entrepreneurship and national development in line with what obtains in some climes globally.

“Our country and continent missed the first, second and third industrial revolutions. We have no excuse to miss the fourth. We either sit at the table or stare on the menu. The choice is ours.”

Uzodimma stressed that "universities, particularly institutions dedicated to science and technology, must go beyond their traditional roles as centres of teaching and research to become active drivers of innovation, industrial growth and economic transformation.",

He emphasised the importance of sustained investment in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education, as critical to Nigeria’s quest for industrial growth and technological self-reliance.

"The Fourth Industrial Revolution presents both opportunities and challenges for developing nations like Nigeria. While the technological wave offers unprecedented prospects for economic growth and job creation, countries that fail to prepare their workforce and institutions risk being left behind in the global knowledge economy," he explained.

The Governor argued that Nigerian universities must position themselves at the forefront of technological development by producing graduates equipped with the skills required to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital world.

Uzodimma's lecture harped on the need to bridge the long-standing gap between academic institutions and industry.

He emphasised that university curricula must be aligned with contemporary industry realities and emerging technological trends. He noted that such alignment would enable graduates to develop practical solutions to both local and global challenges, and enhance their employability and entrepreneurial capacity.

He urged universities to strengthen partnerships with industry players, technology companies, government agencies and research institutions to foster innovation ecosystems capable of driving sustainable development.

Uzodimma also underscored the importance of encouraging research and development activities that address Nigeria’s peculiar socio-economic needs, rather than relying solely on imported technologies.

The Governor cautioned on the consequences of inaction by the universities of technology in Nigeria, saying that countries and institutions that fail to embrace the technologies shaping the Fourth Industrial Revolution could face economic stagnation and increasing marginalisation in the global marketplace.

He then invited policymakers, university administrators, lecturers and students to collectively embrace innovation and technological advancement as strategic tools for national development.

Uzodimma said "for Nigeria the stakes are particularly high given the country’s youthful population and growing demand for employment opportunities."

Turning to FUTO again, the Governor described the school as a strategic institution with a historic mandate to drive technological advancement, noting that the university stands at a critical juncture as it transitions to a new leadership.

To all universities of technology he urged them to reform their curricula, strengthen industry partnerships, promote research with commercial value and establish innovation hubs capable of producing globally competitive entrepreneurs and technology firms.

Citing examples from South Korea, Singapore, Estonia, Rwanda and India, where universities have become engines of economic transformation through innovation and technology-driven education, Uzodimma said FUTO and her ilk could be better equipped to do the same.

He warned that failure to adapt would worsen unemployment, brain drain and economic marginalisation, especially as emerging technologies reshape global labour markets.

The Governor also pledged Imo State Government’s support for the establishment of a technology and innovation ecosystem around FUTO, including start-up incubation, research commercialisation and industry collaboration.

“FUTO has a chance to become not just a university that teaches the Fourth Industrial Revolution, but a university that helps Nigeria lead it,” he said.

Uzodimma challenged the FUTO, and other Nigerian universities to play a more strategic role in driving innovation, entrepreneurship, technological advancement, and economic development.

He stressed that higher institutions must move beyond their traditional functions of teaching and research to become catalysts for solving societal problems and creating sustainable economic opportunities.