Worried by the economic downturn of the country, Kano State Polytechnic has held an international science and technology conference on how to revitalise the economy.
Researchers and scholars presented papers on how to grow Nigeria’s economy during the conference, held at the polytechnic’s annex, with the theme: ‘Science and Technology as Panacea for Revival and Sustenance of National Economy.’
The audience included lecturers, researchers, facilitators and the students who were trained on how to fabricate, manufacture and exhibit for industries.
Dr. Muhammed Umar, the Deputy Rector of the Kano State Polytechnic, who represented the Rector, Dr Abubakar Umar, said the conference also received six papers from the international community which were presented.
“This country cannot develop without innovation and technology. Scientific breakthrough will develop the economy of the country and we will move away from importation to exportation.
“And that is the essence of organising international conferences like this, one -to share knowledge, innovate and collaborate with scholars, companies and organisations, and that is what we aim to achieve here,” the deputy rector said.
He added that scholars of the polytechnic need to innovate and fabricate and the fabrication must be a purposeful and aimed at sustainability of the economy that in turn improves the lives of Nigerians.
He said Nigerians are suffering because the economy is down and the exchange rate is high. The market forces are bringing the Nigerian economy down.
He said: “We import almost everything. Some of the international communities even come to Nigeria to study and copy some of the product that we produce and return them. Now we are saying enough is enough; let us use the materials God has blessed us with in abundance in order to bring new things, instead of sitting smaller countries that come and copy to develop while we remain underdeveloped.
Dr. Garba Adamu, a staff of the polytechnic told The Nation that “the key takeaway from the conference is how we can transform Nigeria technologically, through scientific researches and innovations.”
Adamu said: “If we can develop technologically, our economy will be revived and over dependence on oil will be reduced, while foreign exchange earnings for Nigeria will increase and our youths will be empowered.
“Now, the best way to achieve this is to improve our infrastructure such as rail and road networks as well as empowerment of our youths and other variables that will help in taking up of our science and technology by creating synergy among our institutions, industries and local artisans.”
State Commissioner for Technology and Innovation, Mohammed Othman, said in an era marked by rapid change and unprecedented challenges, the
transformative power of science and technology offers unparalleled opportunities to rejuvenate and sustain our economies.
“Today, we shall explore how advancements in these fields can drive economic growth and stability, supported by academic research and evidence.
“Innovation and Industrial Development
Innovation is the engine of economic growth. Technological advancenments have historically driven the creation of new industries and the revitalization of existing ones,” Othman said.
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Commissioner for Ministry of Higher Education, Dr. Yusuf Ibrahim, represented by Amb. Yusuf Jibrin Oyoyo, an SSA on Foreign Students Affairs to the governor, said science and technology hold the key to addressing many of the challenges facing Nigeria today, from economic instability and environmental degradation to public health crises and educational disparities.
“Science and technology play a crucial role in education. E-learning platforms and digital resources have democratised access to quality education, bridging the gap for students in remote or underserved areas.
“By equipping our youths with the skills and knowledge needed for the digital age, we empower them to contribute meaningfully to the economy,” he said.