Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has called on Nigerian society and research institutions to fully embrace global technological changes driven by artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, biotechnology, and digital innovation.
He said these new technologies should be used to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ongoing economic reforms and help drive national growth.
Uzodimma made the call while delivering the 38th Convocation Lecture at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO).
The lecture was titled “Nigerian Universities of Technology Must Lead in the Fourth Industrial Revolution or Jeopardize the Nation’s Future.”
He said universities must move beyond teaching alone and become active players in innovation, industrial growth, and national development.
The governor stressed the need for more investment in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, saying it is key to Nigeria’s industrial progress and technological independence.
He also said university programmes should match current industry needs and emerging technology trends. This is to better prepare students for the future.
Uzodimma pointed to efforts in Imo State aimed at promoting skills and innovation. He listed the Skill-Up Imo Project, the Imo Digital Centre, and the University of Innovation, Science and Technology, Omuma (UISTO) as part of his administration’s efforts.
He said these projects focus on practical skills, digital training, and entrepreneurship to empower young people.
According to him, these initiatives are laying a strong foundation for innovation-driven development. The governor also believes the initiative is key to the state’s plans for further progress.
Uzodimma is an avid proponent of digital skills and technology, initiating various tech initiatives that leverage his position. He established the Imo Digital City, a physical hub for all stakeholders in Imo State’s tech ecosystem.
The governor is also big on digital skills. He is floating Skill Up Imo in association with foreign universities to upskill Imo youths. Uzodimma believes his administration, through strategic execution, can train 20,000 imo youths in digital skills. This will enable them to compete globally and mitigate the menace of unemployment in the state.
