In a determined move to propel Nigeria towards sustainable national growth and empower its youth, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is intensifying its focus on research, and forging stronger ties with academia.
Director General Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, underscored the vital necessity of deep collaboration between academia, industry, and government during a recent visit from a Lancaster University, UK delegation.
The delegation, led by Professor Kirk Semple, Director of International Research, engaged with NITDA at its Abuja headquarters to explore strategic partnerships under the Research and Innovation Partnership for Entrepreneurship (RIPE) program. This initiative aims to harness the power of academic research and innovation to stimulate entrepreneurial activity and drive significant economic transformation.
Addressing the visiting delegation, Inuwa pointed out a critical challenge facing Nigeria and the broader African continent: a significant underinvestment in research. He asserted, “For us to build a robust and sustainable economy, we need to invest in research. That is where we have a huge gap in Nigeria and Africa at large; we don’t invest in research.”
Highlighting the practical implications, Inuwa used agriculture as an example, noting the lack of access to crucial data and digital tools that could dramatically improve productivity and resource management for Nigerian farmers. He emphasized that robust research and development (R&D) are fundamental to addressing these sector-specific hurdles and to shaping effective policies and regulations that can accelerate digital transformation across the nation.
Inuwa further detailed NITDA’s strategic focus on cutting-edge technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), blockchain, robotics, and additive manufacturing. He stressed the immense potential of these technologies to solve local challenges and unlock new avenues for economic growth and opportunity.
“The goal is to create a vibrant technology-research ecosystem that unites academia, industry, government, entrepreneurs, and risk capital,” Inuwa declared.
He also emphasized the critical need to align university curricula with the practical demands of the industry, urging institutions to cultivate talent capable of tackling real-world challenges through innovative solutions. Furthermore, Inuwa called for enhanced coordination among all stakeholders to avoid the inefficiencies of duplicated efforts.
Inuwa also referenced the Federal Government’s eight strategic pillars for national development, which include: reforming the economy for inclusive and sustainable growth; strengthening national security for peace and prosperity; boosting agriculture to achieve food security; unlocking energy and natural resources; enhancing infrastructure and transportation; focusing on education, health, and social investment; accelerating diversification through industrialisation and innovation; and improving governance and service delivery.
To effectively support these national priorities, Inuwa highlighted NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan 2.0 (SRAP 2024–2027), structured around eight complementary pillars: fostering digital literacy and cultivating talents; building a robust technology research ecosystem; strengthening policy implementation and legal framework; promoting inclusive access to digital infrastructure and services; strengthening cybersecurity and enhancing digital trust; nurturing an innovative and entrepreneurial ecosystem; forging strategic partnerships and collaboration; and cultivating a vibrant organisational culture and an agile workforce within NITDA.
“We place a strong emphasis on research because without it, you cannot develop effective policies or regulations that drive real change in the ecosystem,” Inuwa added, underscoring the foundational role of research in achieving NITDA’s objectives.
The meeting signifies a significant stride in NITDA’s commitment to international collaboration, aligning with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and positioning Nigeria to assume a leading role in the global digital economy through innovation driven by robust research, according to the DG.
In his earlier address, Professor Kirk Semple highlighted Lancaster University’s esteemed global research standing and its dedication to strategic collaborations that generate tangible societal benefits. He described the RIPE program as a crucial mechanism for knowledge mobilization, effectively translating academic theory into practical application with real-world impact.
“Universities today are under pressure to demonstrate value beyond knowledge creation. Strategic partnerships like this with NITDA help ensure research-informed policy, supports innovation, and drives meaningful change in communities,” Professor Semple stated.
He further emphasized the pivotal role of innovation in bridging the gap between academia and society, noting that universities serve as essential hubs for organizations, particularly those lacking in-house R&D capabilities, to access the expertise and resources needed to address pressing global issues such as climate change, public health, and technological inequality.
Professor Semple concluded by affirming the importance of cultivating diverse, long-term networks that foster cross-sector cooperation, stressing that the true measure of success lies in sustained impact rather than mere accolades.