Prof. Julius Okojie, former Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), has advised the Federal Government to encourage successful entrepreneurs who introduced new ideas, innovations and products in order to achieve sustainable development.

Okojie gave the advice during the 10th Convocation Lecture of Bells University of technology, Ota, Ogun, entitled “Education for Sustainable Development and Prosperity for Africa”.

He noted that entrepreneurial activity was essential for a strong global economy, moreso in developing economy like Nigeria.

“Research, innovation and entrepreneurship are the major drivers of any economy.”

Okojie, who was the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of the institution, said that industrial development and production should be encouraged, adding that this would drive production, manufacturing and the market economy as well as create appropriate jobs.

He, however, urged universities to be agents of change in the economic and political activities of the nation.

“This can only be guaranteed through effective teaching, research, patents and trade mark, protected by adequate intellectual property rights.”

He said that these factors were required to effectively transform African’s vast resources for the sustainable well-being and prosperity of its people.

Okojie also said that for Nigeria and other African countries to exit poverty, the governments needed to massively invest in education.

He further advised the government to allocate more funds to the education sector in the nation’s annual budget so as to address the challenge of decayed infrastructure.

Okojie added that relevant education was required in the transformation of the economies of African countries, including Nigeria.

“The education sector must create a class of knowledgeable people with the ability for critical thinking and innovation,” he said. (NAN)
– Nov. 2, 2018 @ 18:15 GMT |