A don at the Nasarawa State University Keffi (NSUK) has called on the Federal Government to adopt strategies from South Korea’s industrial experience to achieve Nigeria’s industrialization and economic development.
Prof. Eugene Aliegba of Political Economy and Development Studies at NSUK made the call during the presentation of the institution’s 37th Inaugural Lecture on Wednesday in Keffi Local Government Area of Nasarawa state.
The topic of the lecture is, “The Developmental State and Industrialization in Nigeria: Lessons from South Korea.”
According to Aliegba, strategic planning and consistency in policy is a key factor in driving a country’s Industrialization process as evident in South Korea, hence the need for the Federal Government to adopt the strategy for the industrial development of Nigeria.
“Economic development and Industrialization in South Korea was achieved through strategic planning.
“Industrial success was based on choosing particular industries at a particular point and time, addressing and designating them as priority areas.
“Nigeria’s industrial development will improve if we embrace the culture of strategic planning and consistency in policy formulation, irrespective of the government or party in power,” he said.
He added that priority must also be given to research and development, technology transfer, and licensing.
He said these greatly changed the development of the Korean economy and could positively impact that of Nigeria if adopted.
He also called on the Federal Government to invest heavily in infrastructure, education, the development of human talents, and retaining the educated citizens to develop and improve the Nigerian economy just like the South Korean model.
“For South Korea, this strategy has led to their development of a high education standard with high ranking. We need to emphasize quality rather than quantity.
“No country that does not honor, respect, and use its quality talents can develop,” he said.
Aliegba explained further that another lesson Nigeria could learn from South Korea was the need for a strong state and a strong and visionary leader as major catalysts for development in Nigeria.
“Again the miracle in South Korea was due to good governance. It did prioritize its programs and was consistent in implementation. Also, it had a strong reputations and was strong on state corruption laws.
“There were deliberate efforts by the leaders to get it right for the country and its citizens. This and so many more are part of South Korea’s industrial experience that the Federal government can key into transforming Nigeria into a developed economy and major industrial nation like South Korea,” he said.
Prof. Suleiman Bala-Mohammed, Vice Chancellor, NSUK, represented by Prof. Abdullahi Modibbo, Deputy Vice Chancellor (DVC) Academics, lauded the inaugural lecturer for the chosen topic which he described as apt.
“This topic is very apt, particularly in this period when we are yearning for industrial development in our dear country. We don’t expect anything more than a very broad presentation that will add value to our development in this country,” he said.
Sen. Gabriel Suswam, former Governor of Benue State and a friend of the inaugural lecturer, also described the topic as an interesting one that would expose the setbacks in Nigeria’s drive towards industrialization and the way forward.
“At some point in the past, Nigeria was ahead of South Korea. Unfortunately, we derailed at some point and they overtook us and now South Korea is an industrialized country and a developed economy while we are still developing.
“I think the lecturer will touch on that and we will know where we have made the mistake and what we need to do to also be in the league of developed economies and industrialized nations,” he said.
