SHALOM OLALEYE
The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, has emphasized the transformative role of innovation in driving Nigeria’s sustainable development and economic diversification.
Speaking at the 8th Annual Research Fair and Exhibition of Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), themed “Disruptive Transformational Innovation: Shaping the Future,” Inuwa, represented by Deputy Director Ya’u Garba, urged academia, industry, and policymakers to adopt disruptive innovation as a solution to the nation’s challenges.
“Innovation is not just an academic exercise; it is the engine of progress and the key to unlocking our nation’s vast potential,” he stated.
Inuwa highlighted Nigeria’s unique advantage in its abundant human and natural resources, stressing the need for collaboration across academia, industry, and government. He pointed to NITDA’s initiatives such as the National Blockchain Adoption Strategy and the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy as evidence of the agency’s commitment to fostering innovation.
“We are not just adopting global trends; we are positioning Nigeria as a leader in the global knowledge economy,” he said, adding that programs like the National Adopted Village for Smart Agriculture (NAVSA) are already making an impact in key sectors.