*Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency highlights the benefits of leveraging academic research and innovation, to ignite entrepreneurial development and economic transformation in Nigeria
Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect
Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has stressed the need for robust collaborations between the academia, industry, and the Nigerian Government.
ConsumerConnect reports NITDA noted the Inuwa’s call is a renewed drive to harness innovation for sustainable national growth and youth empowerment in the digital ecosystem.
The Director-General stated this during a working visit to the West African country by a delegation from Lancaster University, United Kingdom (UK).
Prof. Kirk Semple, Director of International Research, led the delegation to the NITDA Corporate Headquarters, in Abuja, FCT.
The Information Technology (IT) sector regulatory agency also disclosed the visit of the Lancaster University’s delegation was aimed at exploring avenues for strategic collaboration under the Research and Innovation Partnership for Entrepreneurship (RIPE) programme.
The agency further explained the initiative focuses on leveraging academic research and innovation, in order to ignite entrepreneurial development and economic transformation.
Welcoming the delegation to his office, Inuwa asserted that Nigeria and Africa broadly face a significant research investment gap that has continued to hinder the continent’s progress towards building knowledge-based economies.
The NITDA Chief stated: “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.”
Citing agricultural practices as an instance, Inuwa observed that several Nigerian farmers lack access to critical data and digital tools that could revolutionise productivity and resource efficiency in the important sector of the economy.
Research and development (R&D) are foundational to solving such sector-specific challenges and to informing policies and regulations that can accelerate digital transformation, said the Director-General.
He also outlined NITDA’s focus on emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), Blockchain technology, Robotics, and Additive manufacturing.
According to Inuwa, these technologies hold vast potential for solving local problems and creating new economic opportunities in Nigeria.
He further noted: “The goal is to create a vibrant technology-research ecosystem that unites academia, industry, government, entrepreneurs, and risk capital.”
Inuwa emphasised the need to align the University curricula with real world industry demands, and encourage institutions of learning to develop talents capable of addressing practical challenges through innovation.
The Director-General of NITDA, therefore, advocated improved coordination among stakeholders.
He equally cautioned stakeholders against the inefficiencies of duplicative efforts.
Inuwa highlighted the eight strategic pillars identified by the Federal Government of Nigeria as drivers of national development.
These, he stated, 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, Improving governance and service delivery.
To support these priorities, Inuwa further explained the NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan 2.0 (SRAP 2024–2027) is structured around eight complementary pillars. These include Foster Digital Literacy and Cultivate Talents, build a Robust Technology Research Ecosystem, Strengthen Policy Implementation and Legal Framework, Promote Inclusive Access to Digital Infrastructure and Services, Strengthen Cybersecurity and Enhance Digital Trust, Nurture an Innovative and Entrepreneurial Ecosystem, Forge Strategic Partnerships and Collaboration, and Cultivate a Vibrant Organisational Culture and an Agile Workforce in NITDA.
Inuwa said: “We place a strong emphasis on research because without it, you can not develop effective policies or regulations that drive real change in the ecosystem.”
The agency said the meeting between the delegation from Lancaster University and NITDA marked “a significant step” forward in its commitment to international collaboration, and aligning with the broader objectives of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
It also noted the engagement is meant to position Nigeria to take a leadership role in the global digital economy through research-led innovation.
Speaking during the visit to NITDA, Prof. Kirk Semple highlighted Lancaster University’s global research reputation and its commitment to strategic collaborations that deliver societal value.
The leader of the delegation also described the (RIPE) programme as a vehicle for knowledge mobilisation, moving beyond academic theory to practical application.
He also States: “Universities today are under pressure to demonstrate value beyond knowledge creation. Strategic partnerships like this with NITDA helps ensure research informed policy, supports innovation, and drives meaningful change in communities.”
Semple further underscored the role of innovation in bridging the gap between academia and society.
According to him, universities serve as critical hubs for organisations especially those lacking R&D capabilities to access expertise and resources necessary for solving global issues, such as climate change, public health, and technological inequality.
Prof. Semple affirmed the importance of creating diverse, long-term networks that foster cooperation across sectors.
He as well emphasised that the true measure of success lies in sustained impact rather than accolades.
