The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s technical education system through the integration of technology to enhance global competitiveness.
Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmed, made this known at the 4th Faculty of Natural Sciences Annual Conference (FONSAC 2025) of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai (IBBUL), in Niger State.
Ahmed, who was represented by Prof. Oluwole Morenikeji, former Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, said the administration of President Bola Tinubu had introduced new academic programmes aimed at improving the standard of university education in the country.
She listed the programmes to include Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Robotics, Cybersecurity, Biotechnology, and Renewable Energy Engineering.
According to her, the initiative is designed to boost productivity, create employment opportunities, and strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to tackle emerging global challenges.
“The focus on technology-driven education is a deliberate step by the Federal Government to ensure that Nigerian youths remain competitive in a rapidly changing world,” Ahmed said.
“I urge researchers to commercialise their innovations and take advantage of TETFund’s research and development grants to secure patents and scale their scientific solutions.”
In his remarks, Prof. Mohammed Suleiman, Vice-Chancellor of IBBUL, said the conference theme — “Advancing Science, Technology and Innovation for Sustainable Development in Nigeria” — reflects the university’s commitment to national growth through impactful research.
Suleiman, represented by Prof. Muhammad Niworo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), stressed that strengthening local research capacity is critical for sustainable development.
He commended Governor Umaru Bago of Niger State for his continued support for education and infrastructural development across the state.
“The university remains committed to driving innovation and collaboration in areas that address national priorities such as energy, environment, agriculture, health, and emerging technologies,” Suleiman said.
Other speakers, including the university’s Registrar, Idris Kusherki, represented by Amina Ndayako, and the Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences, Prof. Musa Mohammed, also emphasised the importance of applying scientific knowledge to solve real societal problems.
The conference attracted participants from across the country and featured the presentation of research papers, which will be published in the Lapai Journal of Applied and Natural Sciences (LAJANS).
