Why Nigerian Professionals Are Drifting – Ekiti Fmr Deputy Gov, Prof Eleka

By Ayodele Oni

Former Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Prof Olusola Eleka, has called on the Federal Government to apply science-based technology in tackling critical problems of poverty, corruption, energy needs and other human problems.

This was just as he noted that different approaches in the application of science and technology to solve human problems, to develop new processes and products were the cause of continual widening gap between the rich and the poor countries.

Prof Eleka, made the remarks on Friday, while delivering a paper at the first annual lecture of School of Physical Sciences and 40th Anniversary of Federal University of Technology, Akure.

He pointed out that Science-based technology was one of the leading factors of production in the emerging global economy, in addition to other factors such as knowledge, creativity and innovation.

He stated that “Every nation desires to be at peace and compete effectively in the emerging global market place.

“This can only be achieved if such a nation sets out to prioritize the adequate strengthening of its existing research and development centres and technology development institutions, with the aim of encouraging and supporting the shift towards adoption and increased use of modern technological approaches.”

In a lecture titled ‘Energy and industrial development: panacea to poverty and insecurity challenges,’ the former deputy governor emphasised that no nation could grow beyond its scientific and technological advancements, saying that Nigeria is not an exemption.

“Science and technology play a vital role in skill acquisition, job and wealth creation, improvement in the quality of life and industrial development of any nation.

“They not only bring in advances that lead to healthier, longer, wealthier and more productive lives, they are key ingredients to solving challenges of poverty alleviation and economic development challenges that we currently face and are likely to face in the future.”

He bemoaned the mental perception of Nigerian leaders on science and technology which, according to him, “they see it as consumable items and not something that should be created.

“Nigeria as a nation has brilliant people that are performing feats all over the world except in Nigeria.

“Why? This is because our government and the leaders fail to provide for them the necessary modern technological tools and equipment needed for excellent performance in our research centres and institutions.

“It is well-known fact that lack of appropriate and modern equipment limits breakthrough in research performance.

“The system is therefore caught up with the left-behind syndrome. The economy subsequently begins and continues to decline.

“This is the unfortunate story in Nigeria; hence the increasing spate of poverty and incidences of crime, which are symptoms of deprivation and the lack of user engagement of young people in most cases.”

Speaking on energy, he said its development over the years was attributed to advances in science and technology, adding that it is a source of economic growth as many production and consumption activities involve energy as basic input.

Prof Eleka, however, urged Nigerian leaders to harness the abundant renewable energy sources, which the country is endowed with to meet its present and future needs.

According to him, energy is one of the most important inputs for economic development, poverty eradication and security of any nation.

He advised government at all levels to invest heavily in science and technology, encourage cutting-edge research in this sector and holistically implement the products of the Research and Development effort.