Northern Pulse

A Cutting-edge Innovative Entrepreneur, Dr Bright Echefu, on Friday has called on Nigerian graduates to leverage innovation and technical expertise to transform the nation’s technological landscape and strengthen national development.

Echefu made the call while delivering a pre-convocation lecture titled “The State of the Nigerian Technological Industry: Achievements, Challenges, and the Way Forward” at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), Kaduna.

The lecture formed part of activities marking the combined 2nd, 3rd and 4th convocation ceremony of the institution.

Addressing dignitaries, graduands, and members of the Armed Forces, Echefu described technology as the “engine of national progress,” noting that countries that attain global relevance do so through deliberate investments in innovation, research, and indigenous manufacturing.

He said Nigeria possesses abundant human capital but must prioritise translating knowledge into practical solutions.

“The challenge is no longer whether Nigeria has talent, but whether we can convert that talent into indigenous solutions, manufacturing capability, and systems that enhance national security and economic competitiveness,” he said.

Echefu highlighted key areas of progress in Nigeria’s technological industry, including growth in ICT, digital finance, and entrepreneurship, while noting persistent challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, funding constraints, skills gaps, and policy inconsistencies.

According to him, overcoming these challenges requires a coordinated strategy involving investment in education, research and development, innovation ecosystems, and policy reforms.

He urged graduates to take advantage of emerging opportunities in artificial intelligence, aerospace engineering, unmanned aerial systems (UAVs), renewable energy, and digital innovation.

The expert encouraged them to engage in continuous learning, develop startups, utilise innovation hubs, and collaborate with government and private sector stakeholders.

“Be pioneers, create solutions where none exist. Be integrators, applying knowledge across sectors. Be leaders who mentor others and advocate reforms, and above all, be ethical innovators,” he advised.

Echefu further outlined opportunities for graduates in sectors such as ICT, aerospace, manufacturing, media technology, and renewable energy, stressing the need for cross-sector application of technological solutions.

He painted a vision of Nigeria by 2050 as a global technology hub driven by artificial intelligence, smart infrastructure, indigenous satellite systems, and a fully digital economy.

“This vision is attainable if today’s graduates act decisively and commit to innovation and nation-building,” he said.

Echefu concluded by charging the graduates to see themselves as custodians of Nigeria’s technological future.

“Your contributions will determine whether Nigeria follows global technological trends or leads them,” Echefu said.