Sen. Mukhail Abiru (APC, Lagos-East), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions, says innovation is key to Nigeria’s development.
Abiru stated this on Wednesday at the maiden research fair of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) in Ikorodu.
The event had as its theme: “Rebuilding Nigeria’s Research and University System in a Fast-Changing Global Environment.”
As the special guest of honor, Abiru called for a radical transformation of research and innovation within the nation’s university system to keep pace with global technological advancements.
He said innovation-driven education remained central to national competitiveness.
“Nigeria must re-imagine, re-engineer, and reinvigorate its research culture if it hopes to remain relevant in a world shaped by artificial intelligence,” he said.
“We must pay special attention to biotechnology, renewable energy, digital finance and other emerging technologies.”
He stressed the need for universities to become engines of economic growth through knowledge enterprise and industry-aligned innovation.
Abiru, co-founder of the Senator Abiru Innovation Lab (SAIL) Empowerment Foundation, commended LASUSTECH for organizing the fair aimed at deepening collaboration between academia and industry.
He said the initiative reflected successful global models such as Silicon Valley, Germany’s research–industry synergy, and South Korea’s university–government–industry partnerships.
According to him, the SAIL Innovation Lab in Ikorodu has demonstrated the transformative power of equipping young Nigerians with digital, technology and entrepreneurial skills.
“Many of our youths are now software engineers, product designers, data scientists and startup founders making their mark nationally and internationally.
“SAIL Innovation Lab has proved that Nigerian youths excel when given the right platform,” he said.
Abiru also commended LASUSTECH for building similar structures that create pathways for students to translate research into real-world solutions across food security, urbanization, energy, health, transportation and digital transformation.
He reaffirmed his commitment to championing legislation that strengthens research ecosystems, supports innovation-driven entrepreneurship, expands funding access for startups, promotes digital transformation and enhances university research capacity.
“Nigeria can innovate and build research-driven industries, but it requires academia, industry and government working collaboratively and intentionally,” he added.
In their remarks, the LASUSTECH Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olumuyiwa Odusanya, and the President of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Mr Francis Meshioye, urged participants to explore the vast opportunities in innovation.
