Stakeholders that gathered for the DigiVation Future Summit which held in Lagos recently, have called for conscious efforts at collaboration between public and private players in the country with a target to develop economic policies buttressed by digital growth.
Speaking at the Summit, Managing Director/CEO of frontline training and skills development institute, New Horizons, Mr. Tim Akano, who spoke on the need to leverage sound policies to accelerate innovation and sustainable future, called for provision of internet in schools, saying that Access to free internet in schools is vital for building digital literacy which is a cornerstone of innovation.
In his words: “By providing students with early exposure to digital tools and resources, we equip them with the skills needed to thrive in a tech-driven economy. Drawing from the Singaporean model, Nigeria can create an environment where students are empowered to explore, create, and innovate from a young age, helping to bridge the digital divide and prepare the next generation of innovators.”
He further referenced other Asian countries that have made digital skills acquisition from tertiary educational level, a vehicle to economic growth, maintaining that there must be “a handshake between our universities and our industries.”
Mr. Akano also stated that the current educational curriculum in Nigeria is heavily theory-based, often disconnected from real-world applications. “Reforming the curriculum to emphasize practical, problem-solving skills is essential. Education should focus on equipping students with the tools to address Nigeria’s immediate challenges, whether in agriculture, health, or technology. This includes integrating subjects like coding, entrepreneurship, and design thinking, making education more relevant and directly applicable to the country’s development needs.”
He disclosed that nurturing a thriving innovation ecosystem is crucial. “It’s crucial to have a dedicated department focused on promoting and marketing innovative ideas. This department would act as a bridge between innovators and potential investors, helping to bring ideas to market. It could also provide guidance on intellectual property rights and connect innovators with global markets, ensuring that Nigerian innovations can compete on the world stage.”
He further proffered other growth therapy for the economy.
According to him, there is a need to develop tech hubs and innovation centers where entrepreneurs, researchers, and students can collaborate and experiment. “These hubs would serve as incubators for new ideas, providing the infrastructure and resources necessary for innovation to thrive. They would also facilitate partnerships between academia, industry, and government, creating a vibrant ecosystem of innovation.”
He concluded by insisting that Nigeria needs robust digital infrastructure as it forms a solid backbone to modern economy. “Nigeria must invest in building and expanding digital infrastructure such as high-speed internet, data centers, and mobile networks to support the growth of tech-driven innovations. This infrastructure will not only enhance connectivity but also enable new business models and services that can drive economic growth.”
In his speech earlier, convener and CEO of DigiVation Network, organisers of the Summit, Dr. Bayero Agambi, explained that DigiVation Future Summit is a multi-sectorial event that brings together people from diverse backgrounds to discuss issues reshaping today and future economies.
“DigiVation Future Summit (DFS) provides a ground for breakthrough technologies and ideas where enterprise and solution based innovations are unveiled. It’s a platform for Africa’s biggest brands to do business and meet new partners, sharpen innovation skills and knowledge. It is a gathering of ideas, leaders and innovators for a better and greater future. In summary it’s a platform to examine our tomorrow and ways of making it better for all today.”
Other speakers at the event called on all stakeholders to latch on to evolving technologies, especially, Artificial Intelligence (AI) in accelerating growth in the various sectors of the economy.
They maintained that a focus on start-ups, which is the vehicle for innovations, will greatly impact growth indices in the country. But however, lamented on the challenges that have bedeviled the start-up ecosystem, which includes lack of support, inappropriate policies that support access to funding, mentorship, and resources.
The solution, they maintain, lies in government-backed venture funds, tax incentives for investors, and incubator programs that offer startups the necessary infrastructure and networking opportunities to scale their businesses.
