“They argued that knowledge economy is not just about
establishing high-tech industries and creating an innovative and
entrepreneurial culture. Simply adopting existing technologies widely available
in developed countries can dramatically boost productivity and economic
growth,” the business mogul said.
Represented by the Group Executive Director of the Dangote
conglomerate, Engineer Mansur Ahmed, Dangote quoted the World Bank as stating
that for Nigeria to make the transition to knowledge economy, it must pay attention
to the business environment, education & skills, innovation systems and
information communication infrastructure.
He said Nigeria needs a conducive business environment that
provides incentive for the efficient use of existing knowledge.
“There are many government research institutions and the
existing knowledge gathered over the years can be put into use by firms.
Agricultural research institutes have produced new varieties of seeds, legumes
and others that are being cultivated in small quantities in their demonstration
farms. This is where the government should come in with incentives for firms
that would make use of these new varieties,” he said.
Dangote also said government may decide to embark on phasing
out older low yielding specie of crops and provide incentives for those willing
to plant the new ones in terms of subsidies, free fertiliser, and technical
help from agriculture extension officers.
“Government through its agencies can help in insisting that
firms and businesses apply existing knowledge in their operations. Nigerian
government demonstrated this capacity in the auction and licencing of GSM
operators. That singular move brought rapid changes to the communications
sector and created millions of direct and indirect jobs.
“It also resulted in the transfer of existing technologies
to Nigeria as the winners of the bids brought requisite skills and technologies
to build their networks. Nigerian youths that are passionate about new
technologies should be encouraged and supported to exploit their natural
talents by expanding entrepreneurship facilities and hubs.
“There should be reforms in our educational system with more
emphasis on skill development than paper qualification. Innovators, founders of
businesses and creators should be invited to speak,” Dangote said.
Dignitaries who attended the pre-convocation lecture
included the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin; and the Vice
Chancellor of the University, Prof.Sagir Abbas.
A total of 11,284 graduating students will receive degrees,
while two distinguished personalities including the President of African
Development Bank, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, and Deputy Senate President, and
Jibrin would be awarded honorary doctorate degrees at the convocation scheduled
to hold later today.
