Abolaji Adebayo 
The Vice Chancellor of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, Prof. Olumuyiwa Odusanya, has said that Nigeria needs technology to grow and develope its industry, stating the importance of technology in the ongoing fifth industrial revolution.
He emphasised collaboration among the academia, the government, manufactures, and other stakeholders as a catalyst for industrial turnaround in Nigeria, saying universities must be repositioned to be at the forefront of industrial revolution to be able to provide solutions industrial challenges.
He said it is high time universities rose up to the challenges of new Industry 5.0, and brace up for researches that could help industrial revolution.
Also speaking, the CEO, MyTech Limited, Daramola Nasir, said that Nigeria was standing at a pivotal moment in its economic development.
“As the largest economy in Africa with a population exceeding 220 million, the country possesses immense potential to achieve Industrialisation.
“However, traditional industrialisation pathways are proving insufficient in the face of modern challenges such as climate change, global competition, and shifting economic trends.
“To overcome these hurdles, Nigeria must embrace technology as a catalyst for its industrial revolution,” he said. He added: “Technology offers unprecedented opportunities to leapfrog conventional industrial models.
Innovations such as automation, artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and blockchain can enable Nigerian industries to operate more efficiently, produce higher-quality goods, and integrate seamlessly into global supply chains.
For example, AIdriven manufacturing can improve productivity, while IoT can enhance monitoring and maintenance of equipment.
“By integrating technology into its industries, Nigeria can diversify its economy beyond oil dependence, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth.”
According to the International Finance Corporation, digital technologies could add $300 billion to Africa’s GDP by 2025, with Nigeria poised to capture a significant share of this value.
Startups in fintech, agritech, and edtech have already demonstrated the transformative potential of technology in non-industrial sectors.
Nasir said extending similar innovations to manufacturing, energy, and logistics could significantly increase Nigeria’s global competitiveness.
“SMEs account for 96 per cent of businesses in Nigeria but often struggle with access to resources, funding, and markets. “Digital platforms, e-commerce solutions, and cloudbased tools can empower SMEs to overcome these challenges.
By leveraging technology, they can scale operations, improve efficiency, and compete globally. “Nigeria faces significant infrastructural challenges, from unreliable power supply to poor transportation networks.
Technology can mitigate these issues. For instance, renewable energy solutions, such as solar mini-grids, can provide reliable electricity to industries in rural areas.
Meanwhile, digital supply chain tools can optimize logistics, reducing costs and delays. “However, leveraging technology for industrialisation requires a deliberate strategy.
Key challenges include inadequate digital infrastructure, limited access to affordable internet, and a skills gap in the workforce.
Investments in broadband penetration, tech-focused education, and public-private partnerships are essential to address these barriers,” he said.
Meanwhile, he said the government must create an enabling environment for technological innovation.
“This includes updating regulatory frameworks, providing tax incentives for tech-driven industries, and investing in research and development.
Initiatives like the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy 2020-2030 offer a roadmap, but more actionable steps are needed to translate policies into tangible outcomes.”
