The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Dr Kashifu Abdullahi, has urged Nigerian researchers to turn scientific discoveries into practical solutions, successful businesses and national wealth.
He called for stronger links between research activities and Nigeria’s development needs, stressing that scientific work should address real challenges and improve people’s lives.
Abdullahi made the call in his keynote address at the third international biennial conference of the College of Physical Sciences (COLPHYS), Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB).
The conference focused on innovation across science, the environment, agriculture, climate, health and artificial intelligence.
Represented by Dr Aristotle Onumo, the NITDA boss praised FUNAAB for its growth and commended the organisers for choosing a theme that reflects the growing role of science and technology in solving modern problems.
He highlighted how digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI) could improve education, farming, healthcare and climate action. He also called for more investment in digital skills, shared research facilities and partnerships between universities and technology organisations.
Abdullahi outlined five key steps to turn scientific research into national prosperity. These include focusing research on national challenges, improving access to scientific and digital facilities, linking research funding to practical results, supporting entrepreneurial researchers and measuring success through its impact on society.
He also encouraged students to use their education to solve real-world problems, declaring, “Your certificate is just your beginning and not your destination.”
FUNAAB Vice-Chancellor, Professor Babatunde Kehinde, represented by Professor Olusegun Oguntoke, described the conference theme as timely amid rapid technological changes and growing climate concerns.
He urged participants to explore new ideas, use open-source resources and build partnerships across different fields.
The conference also featured presentations on healthcare, science and AI, including contributions from Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta Medical Director, Dr Titilola Ibiyemi, and NITDA IT Hub Director, Professor Victor Odumuyiwa.
The event reinforced FUNAAB’s commitment to research, innovation and sustainable national development.
