Varsity Don Urges FG to Stop Making Nigeria Dumping Ground for Computer Products
Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo
Professor of Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence, Faculty of Natural Science, Redeemer’s University, Ede, Prof. Samson Afolabi Arekete, has canvassed government funding of research and innovation in all tertiary institutions and the stoppage of making Nigeria a dumping ground for every computer product.
Prof. Arekete who stated this at the Inaugural Lecture Series 17 of the university themed – “Human-Computer Partnership: A Cure or Curse?” also noted that Nigeria government needs to stop importing everything computing.
He however made it clear that electric power is one of the debilitating factors against research and innovation in the country, but government can work out a solution to the country’s energy problems.
The don stressed that the nation Nigeria should explore a good mix of power sources, both renewable and non-renewables (solar, wind, tidal, hydro, nuclear and fossil fueled energy) and have a balanced mix of these energy supply equations.
Prof. Arekete who recommended the Redeemer’s University, without further delay, commence the faculty of computing stressed that “this is because there is already employment market for computer graduates and they are well – paid.
He also mentioned that the university should initiate a scheme to attract best brains among the graduating students and staff to experiment with.
The don who equally stressed the nation has a teeming youth population who graduate year – after – year and join the labour market, but need enabling environment for them to excel with technology.
The Professor of Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence also called for entire educational systems in Nigeria to be overhauled and well – funded and stop paying university academic and non- teaching staff peanut.
He however urged the federal government and state governments to revamp education at all levels, while all primary and secondary schools owned by government should be completely refurbished and revamp for educational development in the country.
