The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, has emphasized the pivotal role of innovation in propelling Nigeria towards sustainable development, economic diversification, and global competitiveness.
Speaking at the 8th Annual Research Fair and Exhibition of Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), Inuwa called on academia, industry leaders, and policymakers to embrace disruptive innovation to address the nation’s challenges and unlock its immense potential.
Highlighting the theme “Disruptive Transformational Innovation: Shaping the Future,” Inuwa commended NSUK for organizing an event that aligns with Nigeria’s pursuit of growth through knowledge-driven solutions. Represented by Deputy Director Engr Ya’u Garba, Inuwa applauded the university’s increasing focus on transformation, recognizing the need for impactful innovations to tackle real-world issues.
Inuwa underscored the importance of translating academic inventions into practical innovations that can reshape industries, address societal challenges, and accelerate national progress. He urged institutions to prioritize creativity and bold thinking, ensuring that research outputs deliver tangible benefits to society.
Explaining the concept of disruptive transformational innovation, Inuwa described it as a powerful force capable of revolutionizing established systems, processes, and products. Unlike incremental innovations, which focus on gradual improvements, disruptive innovations introduce entirely new paradigms, addressing challenges in groundbreaking and previously unimaginable ways.
Citing historical examples such as the Printing Press, the Steam Engine, and Electricity, Inuwa emphasized how these innovations have significantly transformed human existence and laid the foundation for modern development. He noted that Nigeria’s abundant human and natural resources present a unique opportunity to harness innovation for sustainable development.
Inuwa called for a collaborative approach involving academia, industry, and government to create an environment that nurtures creativity, supports bold investments, and encourages inclusive growth. Such an ecosystem is crucial for fostering homegrown innovations that can propel Nigeria to the forefront of global technological and economic advancements.
Highlighting NITDA’s commitment to fostering innovation, Inuwa mentioned initiatives like the National Adopted Village for Smart Agriculture (NAVSA), the National Blockchain Adoption Strategy, and the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy. These initiatives are part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to position Nigeria as a leader in the global knowledge economy.
Inuwa urged NSUK to deepen its commitment to innovation by establishing hubs that support facility-led startups, fostering collaborations with industry stakeholders, and equipping students with essential technological skills. He expressed confidence in Nigeria’s ability to not only adopt global innovations but also create groundbreaking solutions that could influence the trajectory of Africa and the world.
Inuwa concluded by calling on all stakeholders to embrace the transformative power of innovation to drive sustainable development, economic diversification, and global relevance.