NITDA DG Urges Shift from Certificate to Capability-Based Economy

NITDA DG Urges Shift from Certificate to Capability-Based Economy

The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, has called for a fundamental shift in Nigeria’s education system from a certificate-driven economy to one that prioritises practical skills, innovation and the application of knowledge to solve real-world problems.

Inuwa said Nigeria’s economic transformation would depend on its ability to translate scientific research into productive enterprises, technological solutions and improved livelihoods rather than focusing primarily on academic qualifications and publications.

He made the call while delivering the keynote address at the third International Biennial Conference of the College of Physical Sciences (COLPHYS 2026) at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Ogun State.

The NITDA boss, who was represented by the agency’s Director of Special Duties, Dr Aristotle Onumo, spoke on the theme, “From Scientific Discovery to National Prosperity: Harnessing Artificial Intelligence and Convergent Innovation to Transform Nigeria.”

He stressed the need for universities to break away from traditional academic silos and embrace multidisciplinary research, emerging technologies and practical problem-solving to accelerate national development.

“The future of our country will not be determined simply by how much research we produce. It will be determined by how effectively we convert research into productivity, innovation, enterprise and national prosperity,” he said.

According to him, artificial intelligence (AI) is creating opportunities for collaboration across agriculture, healthcare, environmental science, mathematics, engineering and data science, enabling researchers to develop solutions to complex national challenges.

He maintained that AI should complement human expertise and strengthen scientific discovery rather than replace researchers or undermine human judgment.

“AI does not replace science. It amplifies science,” he stated.

Using agriculture as an example, Inuwa explained that integrating agricultural science, satellite imagery, climate modelling, Internet of Things sensors and AI could help farmers make better planting decisions, detect crop diseases, optimise irrigation, reduce input waste and access improved market information.

He, however, cautioned that technology-driven solutions must reflect Nigeria’s realities, including local languages, affordability, limited internet connectivity and the specific needs of intended users.

The NITDA director-general also identified opportunities for AI applications in healthcare and climate resilience, particularly in disease surveillance, clinical decision support, flood-risk prediction and early-warning systems.

He emphasised that the deployment of such technologies must be guided by safeguards for data privacy, accountability, fairness and public trust.

Inuwa reaffirmed NITDA’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s digital transformation ecosystem through digital literacy, talent development, digital infrastructure, innovation and responsible technology adoption.

He cited the agency’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan 2.0, National Digital Literacy Framework, Digital Literacy for All initiative and the 3 Million Technical Talent programme as key interventions aimed at developing the skills required for a technology-driven economy.

He also underscored the importance of reliable internet connectivity, quality datasets, secure cloud environments, adequate computing resources and dependable electricity in enabling universities and research institutions to compete globally and develop locally relevant innovations.

The NITDA chief called for stronger partnerships among government, academia, industry, investors and entrepreneurs to ensure that promising research progresses from academic findings to commercial products and solutions capable of delivering measurable benefits.

Addressing higher education institutions, he urged universities to redefine their measures of success by placing greater emphasis on research impact, collaborative problem-solving, entrepreneurship and the ability of graduates to create opportunities rather than merely seek employment.

“The university of the future cannot remain merely a place where knowledge is transmitted, and certificates are awarded. It must become a place where problems are investigated, solutions are developed, enterprises are created, and society is transformed,” he said.

He encouraged universities to strengthen technology transfer mechanisms, establish effective research-industry partnerships, expand entrepreneurship education and connect innovation hubs to market and community needs.

He further challenged researchers to move beyond publishing academic papers to developing working prototypes, conducting field tests and producing sustainable goods and services that address pressing national challenges.

Inuwa also advised students to complement their academic qualifications with digital and AI literacy, critical thinking, communication, teamwork, ethical judgment and practical problem-solving skills.

“Your certificate may open the door, but your capability will determine how far you go,” he said.

He urged students to use emerging technologies not merely to reproduce existing knowledge but to investigate difficult questions, explore new possibilities and develop solutions to challenges affecting their communities.

As part of efforts to translate research into measurable outcomes, the NITDA director-general proposed a 12-month innovation agenda for FUNAAB’s College of Physical Sciences and its partners.

Under the proposal, the college would identify selected high-impact national challenges within the first 90 days, establish collaborative research teams and begin developing prototypes within six months, test promising solutions with communities and industry partners within nine months, and organise a research-to-impact showcase within 12 months.

He said progress should be measured through validated prototypes, effective partnerships, commercialisation opportunities and demonstrable societal benefits rather than speeches and presentations.

Inuwa also encouraged the conference organisers to build on the technical sessions and proposal-writing workshop to develop fundable, collaborative research projects.

He expressed NITDA’s readiness to explore structured partnerships with academic and research institutions in areas aligned with its mandate, particularly digital skills, responsible AI, indigenous innovation and practical applications of emerging technologies.

He added that successful partnerships must be built around clearly defined problems and credible implementation plans.

Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of FUNAAB, Professor Olusola Babatunde, represented by the Dean of the College of Environmental Resources Management, Professor Olusegun Oguntoke, commended NITDA for its contributions to Nigeria’s digital transformation.

Babatunde appealed for the establishment of an Information Technology hub at the university, saying the facility would strengthen its digital capacity, support research and innovation, and provide students and researchers with an enabling environment to develop practical, technology-driven solutions.