Expert harps on Technology Innovation, Skills as essentials to take Nigeria to global Visibility

 

 An Engineer and social Entrepreneur, Engr. Umar Buba Bindir has  called for the need to intensify on the teaching and application  of  Technology  innovation,and Skills at citadel  of learning.

He identified  the three as essentials that can realign the country to greater level of productivity, economic growth and global visibility.

Bindir, stated this as the guest lecturer at the  6th Convocation Ceremony,  Award of First degrees and Presentation of Prizes of Christland University, Abeokuta, held  on Tuesday at the  University auditorium 

Speaking on the topic, Nigeria, Strategies for a National Rebirth :  Special Reference to Triple Helix innovation" The Professor said  he was prompted by the call of the  chancellor of the Crescent University, chief Mrs Winfred Awosika, who urged him to combine the political observation and the innovation known to him to forge a way on how Nigeria can foster love, peace, Unity and prosperity,

Bindir, who  noted that National Rebirth  has three indices. said  "it does not matter what it takes, whether you are producing, groundnuts,cocoa or anything, Rebirth has three  indices. If the poverty level is high to the extent that so many children cannot access basic education, many mothers cannot access basic medical facilities and you are  registering clinical maternal mortality, you cannot drink clean water,and  they have issue to do with water borne diseases know that you have challenges. 

" Even  if you provide all these necessities,and  you are unable to create  the middle class, where many of people have opportunity to live a safe and well fulfilling life by ensuring that they have skills, they can manufacture things, TV, build houses , so that people who are investing will invest meaningfully. And these skills can generate massive jobs for people and  when  many young people like  graduating ones have  jobs,and  they are doing professional  things relating to their skills, you will see that they will have good ethics. They are disciplined. They are respected people and they  will be useful not just to themselves but to the country'.

Bindir, while reflecting on the various economic and technological policies intiated by past administrations in the country such as SAP ,MAMSER, Vision 2010, among others stated that despite  of all these, Nigeria remains invisible in global technological landscape.He called on Nigerian Researchers to delve into nation's problem in order  to ensure that the innovations solved the problem being faced in the country to avoid technology distortion . He pointed out that Nigeria needed more global technology visibility.

 In her address at the ceremony, the Vice Chancellor of the Institution, Prof. Mrs Chinedum Peace Babalola charged the graduands   to approach the journey there are starting with open mind, a curious spirit, and a steady fast commitment to worthy principles they had acquired in the course of their academic pursuit at christland University.

She enjoined them to be rooted in four essential principles termed the 4cs- Collaboration, Character,Competency, and Capacity. 

' In everything you do, character,matters, integrity, respect, and strong of ethics will your reputation far more than any degree or title'

 " disguised  graduates, congratulations and bravo. You have reached this remarkable milestones through your handwork, determinations, dedication and now it is time to celebrate your success!  Hats off to you for your well deserved accomplishments. We are immensely proud of who you have become and what you have  achieved. May your degree open countless doors for you as embark on your journey ahead'.

The Pro Chancellor and Founder of the school, Dr Winifred Awosika, in her remarks, pointed out that Chrisland University, which began as a seed of faith in 2015 with just seven students, has today blossomed into an institution that stands as a beacon of hope, excellence, and leadership in higher education.

Awosika described the seven-year stewardship of Prof. Babalola as extraordinary, saying her leadership style had seen Chrisland University grow in leaps and bounds, with remarkable advancements in academic programmes, infrastructure, and student enrollment.

” She has led with wisdom, grace, and an unrelenting commitment to excellence. Her visionary leadership has left an indelible mark on this institution, and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of leaders.

” Prof. Babalola has dedicated herself to this university with utmost passion and integrity”, Dr.Awosika stated,” she said.

She urged the graduating set of 2023/ 2024 to uphold the legacy of the university while calling for the continuous support of parents and other Stakeholders to sustain the dream of the Institution.

Overall best graduating student, Adeola Omodehin  with the CGPA of 4.99 from Department of Psychology, charged fellow graduands to always be good ambassadors of the university by upholding  its high principles of moral and academic excellence in their future endeavours 

Highpoint of the convocation included award of first degree to the 185 graduands and presentation of the prizes to 25 outstanding graduating students  with First Class.