The Commissioner for Finance, Lagos
State, Dr Mustapha Akinkunmi, says Nigeria must invest in technology,
adding that such will solve many of the nation’s challenges.
Akinkunmi, who delivered the
commencement lecture of the American University of Nigeria in Yola,
Adamawa State, according to a statement on Wednesday, pointed out that
the nation’s income statistics placed too much emphasis on oil and
agriculture and too little on technology.
The commissioner lamented that the
country was going through difficult times, adding that technology could
be used to boost income.
“Economists like me can be wrong. Our
income statistics place too much emphasis on oil and agriculture and too
little on the services and technology that now dominate innovation.
“Nigeria needs to continue investing in
new mobile technology, health care, education and exporting creativity —
music, movies and the written word. Of course, trade and industry
matters, and reliable power are essential for rapid growth,” he said.
Akinkunmi said if the students must see
themselves as global future leaders, they must embrace innovation and
science, saying these had a key role to play in solving many of the
nation’s challenges.
“I must emphasise that technology does
not just mean information and communication technology, it is medical,
agricultural technology. These innovations consistently emerge from
academic institutions and research facilities. This university should be
at the heart of that drive,” he added.
Sesan Olufowobi/Punch
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