The Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission NiDCOM, Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has urged Diaspora Nigerians to partner in upscaling digital technology in Nigeria.
She stated this when a retired Systems Engineer of the US Institute of Engineering for the US Airforce, Prof. Adedeji Badiru, visited the NiDCOM Headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria.
Dr. Dabiri-Erewa commended the Professor’s portfolio as a testament to the trailblazing endeavour of Nigerians in the Diaspora.
“I want to say that, you, Prof., represent the very best of Nigeria,” she remarked.
The NiDCOM Chairman stated that more experts on Information and Communication Technology, like Prof. Badiru, are needed especially as the country is embracing systems engineering.
She equally added that his knowledge in data analytics is beneficial to the Commission in building an efficient data mapping system, while appealing that the retired engineer mentors youth back home.
Prof. Adedeji Badiru thanked the Chairman of NiDCOM for giving him the platform to engage with her.
He also said his retirement will avail frequent visits to Nigeria and anywhere, to share his expertise, as his job did not allow him to.
Prof. Badiru, prior to his retirement, had donated technical books to institutions in Nigeria as a means of giving back.
In addition, he was influential in affiliating the Airforce Institute of Technology (AFIT) in the US and Kaduna state in Nigeria, which granted an opportunity for further training to Nigerian students.
Prof Badiru said he is willing to collaborate with NiDCOM in terms of knowledge sharing.
A native of Lagos state, in South-West Nigeria, Prof. Badiru was raised for over 45 years in the US.
One of his achievements was the creation of the Systems Engineering department in the University of Lagos, where he is described as the “Father of Systems Engineering,” for about 30 years.
