Former Minister of Power Prof. Bart Nnaji has called on Nigeria to make science, technology, engineering and mathematics a national priority, saying universities must focus more directly on solving the country’s economic and development challenges.
Nnaji made the call Wednesday while delivering the 66th Founders’ Day lecture of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he urged greater investment in research, technical education and innovation to help Nigeria compete with fast-growing economies.
He said Nigerian universities must move beyond producing graduates and take greater responsibility for developing practical solutions to the country’s problems.
“We must prioritise STEM education in everything we do to enable our dear nation to leapfrog,” Nnaji said.
Nnaji cited India, China and Vietnam as examples of countries that have used sustained investment in STEM education, research and technology to strengthen their economies.
He said Nigeria’s universities of technology, established in the 1980s, have not fully achieved the expectations of their founders and called for renewed investment to improve their performance.
Nnaji also urged universities to strengthen links between education, industry and research, saying practical expertise and innovation are essential to creating jobs and driving economic growth.
He stressed that prioritising STEM should not mean neglecting the humanities, business and other disciplines, which he said should complement science and technology in preparing Nigerians for the modern economy.
The engineer also praised UNN’s founding vision under Nigeria’s first president, Nnamdi Azikiwe, saying the institution was established to address Nigerian and African needs while maintaining strong international academic partnerships.
Nnaji said sustained investment in universities would help Nigerian institutions improve their global standing and contribute more effectively to national development.
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