Some experts at the College of Applied and Basic Sciences Conference at the Mountain Top University, Ogun State, said innovation and investment in technology can be leveraged to accelerate Nigeria’s development, especially in light of the nation’s current socio-economic challenges.
The Dean of the College of Basic and Applied Sciences at Mountain Top University, Prof. Edwin Ofudje, said that the theme “Science and Novel Technologies in Advancing Sustainable National Development,” highlighted the importance of science and technology as critical drivers of national growth, stating that “a nation that doesn’t invest in technology risks extinction.”
According to Ofudje, the conference strategically brings together key players in agriculture and oil and gas to explore their vital roles in national development.
He said, “Nigeria stands on two legs today—agriculture and oil & gas, both sectors, are essential to sustaining Nigeria’s economy, with agriculture serving as a cornerstone for food security and rural employment.”
The Dean noted that while agriculture remained a fundamental industry, the challenge lay in its outdated practices.
He pointed out that young Nigerians were often reluctant to enter the field due to the manual nature of farming.
He added, “However, with the infusion of technology such as remote monitoring of farms, automated irrigation systems, and the digital marketing of agricultural products agriculture can become a modern, attractive career path for the youth.
There is a growing urgency for innovations in this sector, especially in light of rising food prices and increasing imports.”
The conference also addressed the oil and gas sector, with Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture, Emmanuel Audu, representing the Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms. Abisola Olusanya.
Audu discussed how science and technology could revolutionise Nigeria’s agricultural sector, making it more attractive to the younger generation.
He pointed to the potential of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, as well as the importance of integrating these technologies into Nigeria’s agriculture and energy policies to achieve sustainability.
He also tackled the broader challenges facing Nigeria’s agricultural and oil and gas sectors, ranging from outdated farming practices to infrastructural deficits and regulatory barriers.
According to Emmanuel Audu, there is an urgent need for increased investment in research and development to address these challenges and unlock the potential of both sectors.
Audu outlined several key areas where science and technology can make a difference, including energy sustainability, healthcare, and biotechnology.
He called for more significant R&D investments to foster innovations that can improve food security, healthcare, and energy efficiency in Nigeria. Audu also stressed the importance of education, urging students to focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields as a means to drive the nation’s technological revolution.
Manager of Onshore Exploration Projects, Ajibola Oyebamiji, as the guest speaker discussed the enormous potential of the oil and gas industry to drive technological and economic growth.
Oyebamiji said that despite the global push for renewable energy, the oil and gas industry continued to be a key player in the world economy.
He encouraged students to look beyond the current challenges in the sector and embrace the opportunities it presents.
In a heartfelt message to students, Oyebamiji urged them to take advantage of industrial training opportunities.
He shared his experience, explaining how an internship in his university days sparked his passion for the oil and gas industry, ultimately shaping his successful career.
“Your industrial training can be the turning point in your life, the industry is waiting for you. The future is full of opportunities, particularly in sectors like agriculture and oil & gas. If you work hard and excel in your studies, there is a job waiting for you.”
Oyebamiji echoed this sentiment, stressing that the oil and gas sector was a gateway not only for jobs but also for innovation and entrepreneurship.
He also spoke on the global shift toward renewable energy, emphasising the importance of developing sustainable solutions while recognising that fossil fuels, particularly natural gas, remained a cleaner alternative compared to other energy sources.