By BONIFACE AKARAH

The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, has called for a shift from Nigeria’s certificate-driven education system to one that prioritises practical skills, innovation and the ability to turn knowledge into solutions that drive national development.

Inuwa, represented by NITDA’s Director of Special Duties, Dr Aristotle Onumo, 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.

Speaking on the theme, “From Scientific Discovery to National Prosperity: Harnessing Artificial Intelligence and Convergent Innovation to Transform Nigeria,” Inuwa said the country’s progress would depend not only on scientific research but also on how effectively its findings were translated into practical solutions.

“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.

He urged universities to move beyond traditional academic boundaries and embrace collaborative research, emerging technologies and practical problem-solving, noting that scientific discoveries must translate into productive enterprises, improved public services and better livelihoods.

On the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI), Inuwa said the technology was creating opportunities for collaboration across agriculture, healthcare, environmental science, mathematics, engineering and data science.

He stressed that AI should strengthen scientific discovery and complement human expertise rather than replace researchers or undermine human judgment.

“AI does not replace science. It amplifies science,” he said.

Using agriculture as an example, the NITDA chief explained that combining agricultural science with satellite imagery, climate modelling, Internet of Things sensors and AI could help farmers make better planting decisions, detect crop diseases, optimise irrigation, reduce waste and access improved market information.

He, however, cautioned that technology-driven solutions must reflect Nigeria’s realities, including local languages, affordability, limited internet connectivity and the needs of intended users.

Inuwa also highlighted AI’s potential in healthcare and climate resilience, including disease surveillance, clinical decision support, flood-risk prediction and early-warning systems. He called for responsible deployment, with safeguards for data privacy, accountability, fairness and public trust.

The DG reaffirmed NITDA’s commitment to Nigeria’s digital transformation through digital literacy, talent development, digital infrastructure, innovation and responsible technology adoption.

He cited the agency’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0), the National Digital Literacy Framework (NDLF), the Digital Literacy for All initiative (DL4ALL) and the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme as key initiatives supporting the skills needed for a technology-driven economy.

He also called for improved access to reliable internet connectivity and research infrastructure, including computing resources, quality datasets, secure cloud environments and dependable electricity.

According to him, stronger partnerships among government, universities, industry, investors and entrepreneurs would help promising research move from the laboratory to commercial products and practical applications.

Turning to the role of universities, Inuwa urged higher education institutions to measure success not only by academic publications and certificates awarded but also by research impact, collaborative problem-solving, entrepreneurship and graduates’ ability to create 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, establish more effective research-industry partnerships, expand entrepreneurship education and connect innovation hubs to actual market and community needs.

He also challenged researchers to move beyond academic publications by developing working prototypes, testing solutions in the field and creating sustainable products and services capable of addressing national challenges.

Addressing students, Inuwa said academic qualifications remained important but needed to 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 his proposals for turning the conference’s discussions into measurable outcomes, Inuwa outlined a 12-month innovation agenda for FUNAAB and its partners.

He urged the College of Physical Sciences to identify selected high-impact national challenges within the first 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 12 months.

He said the proposed timeline should be assessed through tangible results, including validated prototypes, effective partnerships, commercialisation opportunities and measurable benefits to society, rather than speeches and presentations alone.

Inuwa also expressed NITDA’s readiness to explore structured partnerships 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 collaborations must be based on clearly defined problems and credible implementation plans.

“Let this conference be remembered not merely as another gathering of brilliant minds, but as a turning point where we resolved to convert the power of science into the prosperity of our nation,” he said.

Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of FUNAAB, Professor Olusola Babatunde, represented by the Dean of the College of Environmental Resources Management (COLERM), Professor Olusegun Oguntoke, commended NITDA for its contribution to digital transformation in Nigeria.

Babatunde also appealed for the establishment of an Information Technology (IT) Hub at the university, saying the facility would strengthen its digital capacity, support research and innovation, and provide an enabling environment for students and researchers to develop practical, technology-driven solutions.

•PHOTO: Director, Special Duties Department, Dr Aristotle Onumo (2nd right), delivering the keynote address on behalf of the DG at the Red Chamber of the FUNAAB Senate Building at FUNNAB, Abeokuta in Ogun State during the 3rd International Biennial COLPHYS 2026