In a bid to foster national growth through technological advancement, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) to focus on innovation and capacity building. Speaking during a recent event in Abuja, Tinubu emphasized the critical role that education plays in the nation’s progress, particularly in leveraging cutting-edge technology.
The president highlighted the need for NOUN to integrate modern technologies into its curriculum to empower graduates with relevant skills for the future. He noted that the world is rapidly evolving, and Nigeria must not be left behind in the race for technological dominance. “The future of Nigeria lies in its ability to harness the power of technology, and the educational sector must be at the forefront of this transformation,” Tinubu stated.
Tinubu also encouraged NOUN to strengthen its partnerships with tech companies, research institutions, and government agencies to create an environment conducive to innovation and professional growth. He stressed that capacity building, especially in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data analytics, is essential to building a robust workforce capable of meeting the challenges of the 21st century.
The president’s remarks come at a time when the Nigerian government is placing increasing emphasis on technology-driven solutions to boost various sectors, including education, healthcare, and agriculture. By enhancing the capabilities of institutions like NOUN, Tinubu hopes to provide students with the tools they need to succeed in an increasingly digital world.
In response, NOUN’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olufemi A. Peters, assured the president that the institution is committed to advancing its technological infrastructure. “We are already taking steps to integrate modern tech tools into our educational delivery, and we will continue to innovate in order to equip our students with the necessary skills for future leadership,” he said.
The president’s call aligns with his broader vision for a tech-driven Nigeria, where education and innovation go hand in hand to tackle the country’s socio-economic challenges.
source: gazettengr.com